Overview
- New Zealand closed Day 1 on 361 for 5 thanks to centuries from Tom Blundell (142 not out) and Rachin Ravindra (121), a position established after a 217-run partnership that steadied the innings.
- Ireland had an early advantage with four wickets before lunch, and debutant Liam McCarthy claimed the prized wicket of Kane Williamson and held a notable diving catch.
- Ireland are fielding a squad weakened by multiple injuries and several uncapped players, while New Zealand named a side that includes returning senior figures such as Kane Williamson and Kyle Jamieson.
- Broadcasters and streamers are in place regionally, with TNT Sports covering the UK and Ireland, Sky Sport in New Zealand, FanCode in India, SuperSport in Sub-Saharan Africa and Willow/Cricbuzz elsewhere.
- The match is being played as a four-day Test under ICC experimental rules and doubles as New Zealand’s preparation for a three-Test England series that begins at Lord’s on June 4, 2026.