Tickner five delivers NZ win despite Ireland fightback: Only Test, Day 3 (Belfast)

Right arm seamer Blair Tickner took five wickets as New Zealand wrapped up a dominant victory over Ireland on Day 3 of the one-off Test at Stormont in Belfast, winning by an innings and 79 runs.

After declaring their first innings at 490/8, the visitors dismissed Ireland for 179 and then 232 after enforcing the follow-on. Ireland resumed the day at 65/2 in their second innings but despite a strong fightback were unable to produce the massive recovery required to extend the match into a fourth day.

Stephen Doheny top-scored for Ireland with 51, while Lorcan Tucker made 55 and Mark Adair finished unbeaten on 44 in a spirited lower-order effort. Tickner starred for New Zealand with a superb maiden five-wicket haul of 5/76, while Nathan Smith capped an excellent match with eight wickets overall.

Tom Blundell was named Player of the Match for his outstanding 186, supported by Rachin Ravindra’s 121 and Dean Foxcroft’s 98 on debut.

New Zealand 490 for 8 dec (Blundell 186, Ravindra 121, Foxcroft 98, Adair 3-66) beat Ireland 179 (McBrine 73*, N Smith 6-40) and (f/o) 232 (Doheny 57,Tucker 50, Tickner 5-76) by an innings and 79 runs.

May 2026.