New Zealand fought back from a shaky start to take charge on day one of the one-off Test against Ireland at Belfast, powered by two standout centuries from Tom Blundell and Rachin Ravindra. After Ireland won the toss and elected to bat first, the hosts looked dangerous early on a lively surface, but New Zealand’s middle-order repair work—led by Ravindra and supported by Blundell—turned the contest firmly in their favour.
Early pressure and the first innings shake-up
New Zealand chose to bowl first at the Civil Service Cricket Club, and Ireland made a strong early impact, striking twice within the opening hour. That burst left New Zealand under pressure at 21 for 2, as Tom Latham and Devon Conway both departed cheaply while the hosts took advantage of the conditions.
Williamson steadies, Ravindra drives New Zealand forward
Kane Williamson then provided the stabilising influence, spending time at the crease and building a platform before forging a pivotal partnership with Ravindra worth 64 runs. The third-wicket stand helped New Zealand regain control after the early wobble, with Ravindra especially effective through the middle phase. He held things together as the innings progressed, ensuring the visitors did not lose momentum.
However, the recovery did not last uninterrupted. Williamson was dismissed, followed soon after by Daryl Mitchell, and New Zealand found themselves slipping to 86 for 4. That is when Ravindra and Blundell combined to reassert New Zealand’s dominance.
Ravindra and Blundell deliver defining centuries
Ravindra and Blundell added an enormous 217 runs for the fifth wicket, dragging the innings back into a commanding position once again. Ravindra mixed measured shot selection with bursts of aggression, reaching a well-made century before being dismissed for 121 by Harry Tector.
Blundell then produced another of the day’s key contributions. As wicketkeeper-batter, he weathered the early pressure before accelerating as the ball aged, striking 18 fours and two sixes. He remained unbeaten on 141, finishing the day as the anchor alongside Dean Foxcroft.
Ireland’s bowlers work hard as New Zealand close on top
By stumps, New Zealand had reached 361 for 5 in 94 overs. Dean Foxcroft was not out on 35, and he supported Blundell in an unbeaten stand worth 58. Ireland’s bowlers laboured throughout the day after those early breakthroughs, with Mark Adair the most effective figure-wise at 3 for 66, though they struggled to sustain control once the pitch flattened out.
Brief scores
- New Zealand 361/5 (Tom Blundell 142*, Rachin Ravindra 121; Mark Adair 3-66) vs Ireland
