Rachin Ravindra and Tom Blundell rescued New Zealand with commanding centuries after Ireland reduced the visitors to 86/4 on the opening day of the one-off Test in Belfast.
Ireland dominated the early session after captain Andrew Balbirnie elected to bowl first under cloudy conditions. Mark Adair removed Tom Latham, Devon Conway and Daryl Mitchell in an impressive opening spell, while debutant Liam McCarthy dismissed Kane Williamson for his maiden Test wicket.
New Zealand’s experienced batting line-up struggled badly against disciplined seam bowling. Williamson looked settled briefly but failed to convert his start and departed for 36 from 70 deliveries.
Ravindra and Blundell tons shift momentum
The Ravindra and Blundell tons completely changed the direction of the match during the second and third sessions.
Ravindra initially focused on surviving the difficult conditions before gradually attacking Ireland’s bowlers after lunch. The left-hander mixed controlled aggression with smart strike rotation and punished loose deliveries regularly through the off side.
Blundell played the perfect supporting role during the rebuilding phase. The wicketkeeper-batter remained calm under pressure and helped stabilise the innings after New Zealand’s top-order collapse.
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The pair stitched together a massive 217-run partnership for the fifth wicket and frustrated Ireland’s inexperienced bowling attack for long periods.
Ravindra scored 121 runs from 194 balls with 11 boundaries and four sixes. His innings once again highlighted why he is considered one of New Zealand’s most promising all-format players.
Blundell remained unbeaten at stumps after registering his sixth Test century. He finished the day on 142 not out from 233 deliveries with 18 fours and two sixes.
Ireland lose grip despite strong opening spell
Ireland appeared firmly in control during the opening two sessions before New Zealand’s middle order launched a remarkable fightback.
The hosts also failed to capitalise on crucial opportunities in the field. Balbirnie dropped Ravindra in the slips during the partnership, and the missed chance proved extremely costly later in the day.
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Ireland’s bowlers looked increasingly tired during the final session as Ravindra and Blundell accelerated the scoring rate. Adair remained the standout performer with disciplined spells, while McCarthy impressed on his Test debut despite the late pressure.
At stumps, New Zealand reached 361/5 in 94 overs with Dean Foxcroft unbeaten on 38 alongside Blundell. The visitors now hold a strong position heading into the second day of the match.
Former cricketers praised the composure shown by both batters after the early collapse. Analysts also highlighted Blundell’s experience and Ravindra’s maturity in difficult batting conditions.
The Ravindra and Blundell tons also provided New Zealand with valuable preparation ahead of next week’s important Test series against England at Lord’s.
