Smith six knocks over Ireland, hands edge to NZ: Only Test, Day 2 (Belfast)

Seamer Nathan Smith took six wickets as New Zealand seized complete control of the one-off Test against Ireland on Day 2 at Stormont in Belfast, declaring their first innings at a massive 490/8.

Tom Blundell led the way with a magnificent 186, while debutant Dean Foxcroft narrowly missed a century with an unbeaten 98. Rachin Ravindra’s earlier 121 had already laid the platform, and New Zealand’s lower order ensured the visitors pushed close to the 500 mark before declaring late in the morning session.

Ireland struggled badly in reply and were dismissed for 179 in their first innings, trailing by 311 runs. Andy McBrine fought hard with an unbeaten 73 and Mark Adair contributed 40, but Nathan Smith ripped through the batting lineup with outstanding figures of 6/38.

Forced to follow on, Ireland reached 65/2 by stumps in their second innings, still 246 runs behind, with Stephen Doheny unbeaten on 36 as the hosts battled to keep the match alive.

Ireland 179 (McBrine 73*, N Smith 6-40) and 65 for 2 (Doheny 36*, Tickner 2-14) trail New Zealand 490 for 8 dec (Blundell 186, Ravindra 121, Foxcroft 98, Adair 3-66) by 246 runs.

May 2026.