Belfast, May 28: In a thrilling Test match against Ireland, New Zealand won the toss and opted to bat, declaring their first innings at 490 runs on the second day. By the end of the first session, Ireland had lost two wickets for just 20 runs.
New Zealand resumed play on the second day at 361 runs for the loss of five wickets. The Kiwi team aimed for significant contributions from Tom Blundell, who was close to a double century, and Dean Foxcroft, who was also eyeing a century. However, both fell short of their milestones. Blundell scored 186 runs off 292 balls, featuring three sixes and 22 fours. Foxcroft, playing in his first Test, managed 98 runs off 129 balls before being dismissed as the eighth wicket. Captain Tom Latham declared the innings at 490 runs immediately after Foxcroft’s dismissal.
Earlier, on the first day of the Test, young all-rounder Rachin Ravindra impressed with a brilliant century, scoring 121 runs off 194 balls, including four sixes and 11 fours.
For Ireland, Mark Adair took three wickets, while Reuben Wilson, Liam McCarthy, Harry Tector, and Andy McBrine each claimed one wicket.
In response to New Zealand’s 490 runs, Ireland’s start was disappointing. By the end of the first session on the second day, they had lost two wickets for just 20 runs. Openers Stephen Doheny and Cade Carmichael were both dismissed for zero. Captain Andrew Balbirnie (11) and Harry Tector (8) are now trying to stabilize the innings, having added 20 runs together so far.
Nathan Smith took both wickets for New Zealand.
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