Overview
- New Zealand recovered from early trouble on Wednesday with a 217‑run middle‑order partnership that included centuries from Rachin Ravindra and Tom Blundell.
- By Thursday the visitors extended their lead, declared on 490/8 and bowled Ireland out for 179, then enforced the follow‑on with Ireland trailing by roughly 246 runs.
- Ireland blooded several new players, with debutant Liam McCarthy taking the prized wicket of Kane Williamson and other rookies contributing with ball and in the field.
- New Zealand’s attack dominated across the first two innings, highlighted by Nathan Smith’s six‑wicket haul that helped skittle the home side and force the follow‑on.
- The one‑off four‑day Test at Stormont serves as a red‑ball warm‑up for New Zealand’s England tour and was shown on different regional broadcasters including FanCode, Sky NZ, TNT Sports and Willow/Cricbuzz.