The Pakistan–New Zealand–Bangladesh tri series: the full history of the only tri-nation tournament to feature all three sides — the October 2022 T20I series in Christchurch, won by Pakistan. Background, format, results and legacy in one place.
Quick answer: The Pakistan–New Zealand–Bangladesh tri series was held once: 7–14 October 2022 at Hagley Oval, Christchurch. Pakistan won the T20I tri-nation, beating New Zealand by 5 wickets in the final; Bangladesh finished winless. It served as the final warm-up for the 2022 T20 World Cup.
In this guide
Why the tri-series happened
Preparation, packaged as a tournament. Tri-nation series are rare in modern cricket — bilateral economics killed most of them. This one existed because all three teams wanted competitive T20 cricket in Australasian conditions before the World Cup, and New Zealand Cricket could stage it cheaply at a single venue. The ICC’s Future Tours Programme left a window; NZC filled it with a tri-series.
The single-venue format (all matches at Hagley Oval) kept costs down and intensity up — seven matches in eight days. For context on Pakistan’s bilateral history with each side, see the Bangladesh rivalry hub.
Format and schedule
Seven matches, eight days. Double round-robin: each team played the other twice (four group matches each), with the top two advancing to the final. Matches on 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13 October (group stage) and the final on 14 October 2022. Points, then net run rate, decided the finalists — Pakistan and New Zealand finished level on group wins, Bangladesh pointless.
The compressed schedule tested squad depth: back-to-back games, quick turnarounds, and Christchurch’s spring conditions (seam movement early, true bounce later). It was ideal World Cup preparation — better than any net session.
The story of the series
Pakistan’s steady march. Pakistan opened with intent, stumbled once against New Zealand in the group stage, then reasserted control — the middle order’s form in the final week was the takeaway. New Zealand were efficient at home but couldn’t close the final. Bangladesh competed in patches (Shakib’s leadership, some bright young batting) but couldn’t finish games — the story of their T20 side in that era.
The final’s chase — Pakistan hunting down New Zealand’s total with wickets in hand — became the reference point for Pakistan’s World Cup campaign, where they again chased well under pressure all the way to the MCG final. Christchurch was the rehearsal; Melbourne was the performance.
Legacy and records
A unique entry in the record books. No Pakistan–NZ–Bangladesh tri-series has been staged before or since — the 2022 edition stands alone, which is why it dominates searches for the fixture. Its records: Pakistan’s only tri-nation T20I title; Bangladesh’s only winless tri-series of the decade; Hagley Oval’s busiest international week.
Could it happen again? The economics argue against tri-series generally, but World Cup warm-up windows keep the idea alive. If the three boards ever repeat it, this page and the pillar guide will cover it.
Has there been more than one Pakistan NZ Bangladesh tri-series?
No — the October 2022 T20I tri-nation in Christchurch is the only tournament to feature all three nations together.
Who won the 2022 tri-series final?
Pakistan beat New Zealand by 5 wickets in the final on 14 October 2022 at Hagley Oval, Christchurch.
Where was the tri-series played?
All seven matches were played at Hagley Oval, Christchurch, New Zealand, from 7 to 14 October 2022.
