Overview
- The Black Caps completed the one-off Stormont match inside three days on Friday, May 29, 2026, winning by an innings and 79 runs after enforcing a follow-on.
- New Zealand declared on 490 for 8 thanks to big scores from Tom Blundell (186), Rachin Ravindra (121) and Dean Foxcroft (98).
- Ireland were dismissed for 179 in their first innings and 232 in the second, with Nathan Smith taking six wickets in the first innings and Blair Tickner five in the second.
- Smith and Tickner’s form gives selectors a clear choice to make because Matt Henry, Will O’Rourke and Kyle Jamieson are also available and preparing in London for the first Test at Lord’s starting June 4.
- The Stormont game was a planned red-ball warm-up that underlines New Zealand’s momentum ahead of the three-Test England tour and ties into their wider World Test Championship campaign.