New Zealand vs Pakistan Tests 2023: Pakistan Won 2–0 — Babar Azam, Karachi and Lahore
The two-Test series between Pakistan and New Zealand was played in Pakistan in January 2023 — New Zealand's first Test tour of Pakistan since 2002. Pakistan won the series 2-0. First Test Karachi (26–30 Jan): Pakistan won by an innings and 26 runs — PAK 438 (Babar Azam 161, Saud Shakeel 75); NZ 112 (Naseem Shah 4/23) & 300 (Devon Conway 93, Tom Blundell 52; Sajid Khan 5/85). Second Test Lahore (2–6 Feb): Pakistan won by an innings and 8 runs — PAK 628/8 declared (Shan Masood 206, Abdullah Shafique 113, Babar Azam 54); NZ 297 (Naseem Shah 3/64; Sajid Khan 4/73) & 323 (Sajid Khan 4/100). Babar Azam scored 161 in Karachi. Shan Masood scored 206 in Lahore — his maiden Test double century. Pakistan captain: Babar Azam. New Zealand captain: Tim Southee.
Pakistan hosted New Zealand for a two-Test series in January–February 2023 — New Zealand's first Test visit to Pakistan since 2002. The series was played at the National Stadium Karachi and Gaddafi Stadium Lahore. Pakistan were captained by Babar Azam; Tim Southee led New Zealand in the absence of the injured Kane Williamson. Pakistan were heavily favoured on home conditions — their spin attack on turning pitches expected to be decisive.
Karachi: Babar's 161 and Pakistan Win by Innings
Pakistan won the first Test at Karachi (26–30 January) by an innings and 26 runs. Pakistan batted first and posted 438 — Babar Azam scoring a commanding 161 and Saud Shakeel adding 75. New Zealand were dismissed for just 112 in their first innings — Naseem Shah taking 4/23 in an electric new-ball spell. Following on, New Zealand improved significantly with Devon Conway scoring 93 and Tom Blundell 52, but were bowled out for 300. Sajid Khan's off-spin took 5/85 in the follow-on innings. Pakistan won by an innings and 26 runs.
Lahore: Shan Masood's 206 and Another Innings Win
The second Test at Lahore (2–6 February) was similarly one-sided. Pakistan posted 628 for 8 declared — Shan Masood hitting a maiden Test double century of 206, Abdullah Shafique scoring 113, and Babar Azam contributing 54. New Zealand could not match that total, scoring 297 (Sajid Khan 4/73, Naseem Shah 3/64) and then 323 when following on (Sajid Khan 4/100). Pakistan won the Test by an innings and 8 runs. The 2-0 series win was comprehensive — Pakistan didn't lose a wicket in the series that wasn't eventually recovered by the bowling unit. Sajid Khan finished as Pakistan's leading wicket-taker in the series.
Frequently asked questions
What were the results when New Zealand toured Pakistan for Tests in 2023?
Pakistan won the two-Test home series against New Zealand in January–February 2023 by 2-0. In the first Test at Karachi, Pakistan won by an innings and 26 runs — Babar Azam scored 161, Pakistan posted 438, and Naseem Shah took 4/23 as New Zealand fell for 112 in their first innings. In the second Test at Lahore, Pakistan won by an innings and 8 runs — Shan Masood scored 206 (maiden double century) and Pakistan declared at 628/8. Sajid Khan was Pakistan's leading wicket-taker. It was New Zealand's first Test tour of Pakistan since 2002.