![Babar's Pakistan to play against New Zealand next year [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1793869231935_Babar'sPakistantoplayagainstNewZealandnextyear.jpg?type=hq)
Babar's Pakistan to play against New Zealand next year [Source: AFP]
New Zealand is set to tour Pakistan next year for a two-match Test series, and the New Zealand Cricket Board is in discussions with the PCB regarding the full schedule and the venues for the marquee series. The two sides will play a two-match Test series, which will be part of the WTC cycle.
According to reports by Geo News, the two boards are in regular discussion regarding the tour, which takes place in February-March 2027, and an official announcement will be made once the consultants have concluded.
Pakistan-New Zealand Test series likely to take place before PSL 2027
In January 2027, Sri Lanka will tour New Zealand for a multi-format series, and the tour will conclude on February 16. Interestingly, Pakistan’s biggest T20 franchise league, the PSL, takes place on March 18, with the teams assembling on March 15.
The scheduling will have to be such that the New Zealand vs Pakistan Test series ends before March 15.
Hence, in all likelihood, the two-match Test series between Pakistan and New Zealand could take place from February 20, with the tour likely to end a couple of days before the PSL 2027 begins.
New Zealand last toured Pakistan in 2022, and the two-match Test series ended without either team winning a single game (0-0).
The importance of the two-match series for both Pakistan, New Zealand
Clearly, the Pakistan team is undergoing a transition phase under the new captain, Babar Azam. The side suffered an embarrassing 0-3 defeat against England recently, and they are tottering in the WTC points table.
Pakistan is last in the WTC points table and have won just 2 out of the seven games they have played. The New Zealand matches will provide the Men in Green a chance to play against a top opposition at home and assess their strengths and weaknesses before the next cycle begins.
New Zealand, on the other hand are in a strong position in the WTC points tally, and they are one of the firm favourites to reach the WTC finals.
The Kiwis are currently top of the table, and a 2-0 series win against a struggling Pakistan will steer them into their second WTC final.
