By Uzma Sahar 
New Zealand Cricket has announced its 2024–25 home summer schedule, featuring an eagerly awaited white-ball series against Pakistan. This exciting series is scheduled to take place from March 16 to April 5, 2025, promising cricket fans an unforgettable spectacle.
Series Overview
The Pakistan tour of New Zealand will consist of five T20 Internationals (T20Is) and three One Day Internationals (ODIs). The T20I series will run from March 16 to March 26, followed by the ODI series from March 29 to April 5. This series offers a golden opportunity for both teams to showcase their skills in the shorter formats of the game.
T20I Series Schedule
| Match | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| First T20I | March 16 | Christchurch |
| Second T20I | March 18 | Dunedin |
| Third T20I | March 21 | Auckland |
| Fourth T20I | March 23 | Tauranga |
| Fifth T20I | March 26 | Wellington |
ODI Series Schedule
| Match | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| First ODI | March 29 | Napier |
| Second ODI | April 2 | Hamilton |
| Third ODI | April 5 | Tauranga |
New Zealand’s Comprehensive Cricket Season
New Zealand’s home season is set to be a cricketing marathon, starting in late November 2024 and continuing through early April 2025. The New Zealand Cricket Team will compete in three Tests, six ODIs, and eight T20Is against formidable opponents such as England, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan. This extensive schedule ensures that cricket fans will be treated to a continuous stream of high-quality matches.
The season kicks off with a three-match Test series against England in November and December 2024. Following this, New Zealand will play white-ball series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan, keeping the momentum going and providing fans with a series of exciting encounters.
Preparing for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025
The white-ball series against Pakistan is a crucial part of New Zealand’s preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which will be held in Pakistan from February 19 to March 9. Before the Champions Trophy, New Zealand will also participate in an ODI Tri-Series with South Africa and Pakistan in February 2025, allowing the team to refine their strategies and gain valuable match practice.
Key Players and Series Expectations
This series against Pakistan is expected to be highly competitive, with both teams showcasing a mix of experienced players and emerging talents. For New Zealand, stars like Kane Williamson, Trent Boult, and Tim Southee will be key players to watch. Pakistan will rely on their leading players such as Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Mohammad Rizwan to make a significant impact.
Fans can anticipate a series filled with high-intensity matches, as both teams strive to perform at their best. The series will be a test of Pakistan’s adaptability to New Zealand’s conditions, while the hosts will look to leverage their home advantage.
The announcement of New Zealand hosting Pakistan for a white-ball series in March-April 2025 has generated immense excitement among cricket fans. This series is poised to be a major highlight of the 2024–25 cricket season, offering thrilling matches and showcasing top-tier talent.
As both teams gear up for the series, fans around the world can look forward to witnessing high-quality cricket and intense competition. The series will not only provide entertainment but also serve as crucial preparation for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Don’t miss the action as New Zealand and Pakistan face off in what promises to be an unforgettable white-ball cricket series.