Ireland vs New Zealand, Live Score: Rachin Ravindra and Tom Blundell both hit tons in epic 200-run stand
THE TIMES OF INDIA | May 28, 2026, 17:34:49 IST
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Ireland vs New Zealand, Live Score: Rachin Ravindra and Tom Blundell both hit tons in epic 200-run stand

Ireland vs New Zealand Test: The historic one-off Test between Ireland and New Zealand at Stormont, Belfast marks the first-ever red-ball meeting between the two nations. Ireland won the toss and opted to bowl first, hoping to make the most of the early seam and swing on offer in typical Belfast conditions.

Match Context & Conditions

This standalone four-day fixture is a landmark occasion for Irish cricket, with Ireland hosting one of the world’s top Test sides in a rare home red-ball encounter. Since Ireland are not part of the World Test Championship cycle, no WTC points are at stake.

The Stormont surface is traditionally known for assisting fast bowlers, especially in the opening session, with plenty of movement off the pitch and through the air. However, warmer temperatures in Belfast over recent days could also bring spinners into the contest as the match progresses.

Team News & Key Players

Ireland

Ireland have been dealt a major setback with experienced batter Paul Stirling ruled out after suffering an injury during a recent four-day warm-up game.

The hosts will rely heavily on Mark Adair to lead the pace attack. Adair comes into the match in excellent form after registering match figures of 6 for 80 in Malahide.

With the bat, wicketkeeper Lorcan Tucker remains Ireland’s biggest hope. The right-hander has been one of their most reliable performers in Test cricket, averaging an impressive 43.93 in the format.

New Zealand

New Zealand enter the contest as overwhelming favourites thanks to their experienced Test setup and formidable pace attack.

Captain Tom Latham is on the verge of a milestone, with one more Test victory set to draw him level with Brendon McCullum and Geoff Howarth as New Zealand’s fourth-most successful Test captain.

The Blackcaps will bank on their strong seam unit featuring Kyle Jamieson, Will O’Rourke and Ben Sears to exploit the helpful conditions in Belfast.

Ireland rarely get opportunities to play Test cricket, and hosting a red-ball match at home is an even rarer event. Facing the former world champions will provide added motivation for the hosts as they aim to prove themselves in the longest format of the game.

For New Zealand, this fixture serves as valuable preparation ahead of their upcoming three-match Test series against England. With both sides having played very little red-ball cricket recently, adapting quickly to the conditions will be crucial.

The conditions at Stormont are expected to produce a fascinating battle between bat and ball. Seamers are likely to enjoy assistance early on, but as the game wears on, spin could gradually become a factor as well. Expect a competitive and hard-fought contest over the next four days.
17:46 (IST) May 27
New Zealand vs Ireland Live Score : 91/4 (26.6 overs)
Score after 27 overs 91 - 4
Runs Scored: 0
000000
  • Rachin Ravindra 37 (61)
  • Tom Blundell 5 (15)
Reuben Wilson5-1-18-0
0
Overs26.6
Score91 - 4

Reuben Wilson to Rachin Ravindra, Nice and full, outside off, Rachin Ravindra leaves it alone.

17:45 (IST) May 27
New Zealand vs Ireland Live Score : 91/4 (26.5 overs)
0
Overs26.5
Score91 - 4

Reuben Wilson to Rachin Ravindra, Hard length, angling in from leg, Rachin Ravindra tucks it to the fielder at short mid-wicket.

17:45 (IST) May 27
New Zealand vs Ireland Live Score : 91/4 (26.4 overs)
0
Overs26.4
Score91 - 4

Reuben Wilson to Rachin Ravindra, Back of a length, outside off, Rachin Ravindra shoulders arms at it.

17:44 (IST) May 27
New Zealand vs Ireland Live Score : 91/4 (26.3 overs)
0
Overs26.3
Score91 - 4

Reuben Wilson to Rachin Ravindra, Angling in, on a length, on off. Rachin Ravindra covers his line and blocks it to short cover.

17:44 (IST) May 27
New Zealand vs Ireland Live Score : 91/4 (26.2 overs)
0
Overs26.2
Score91 - 4

Reuben Wilson to Rachin Ravindra, Drags his length back, just outside off, Rachin Ravindra knocks it to the fielder at mid off.

17:43 (IST) May 27
New Zealand vs Ireland Live Score : 91/4 (26.1 overs)
0
Overs26.1
Score91 - 4

Reuben Wilson to Rachin Ravindra, Reuben Wilson comes into the attack now. He keeps it full, on off, Rachin Ravindra blocks it watchfully.

17:42 (IST) May 27
New Zealand vs Ireland Live Score : 91/4 (25.6 overs)
Score after 26 overs 91 - 4
Runs Scored: 0
000400
  • Tom Blundell 5 (15)
  • Rachin Ravindra 37 (55)
Liam McCarthy5-1-19-1
0
Overs25.6
Score91 - 4

Liam McCarthy to Tom Blundell, Back of a length, outside off, Tom Blundell leaves again.

17:41 (IST) May 27
New Zealand vs Ireland Live Score : 91/4 (25.5 overs)
0
Overs25.5
Score91 - 4

Liam McCarthy to Tom Blundell, Short, outside off, Tom Blundell leaves the harmless delivery.

17:40 (IST) May 27
New Zealand vs Ireland Live Score : 91/4 (25.4 overs)
4
Overs25.4
Score91 - 4

Liam McCarthy to Tom Blundell, FOUR! Lovely bit of timing from Tom Blundell! Overpitched, just outside off, Tom Blundell makes room and cracks a drive through covers for a boundary.

17:40 (IST) May 27
New Zealand vs Ireland Live Score : 87/4 (25.3 overs)
0
Overs25.3
Score87 - 4

Liam McCarthy to Tom Blundell, Liam McCarthy bowls it on a good length, around off. Tom Blundell stays back and punches it to the fielder at short cover.

17:39 (IST) May 27
New Zealand vs Ireland Live Score : 87/4 (25.2 overs)
0
Overs25.2
Score87 - 4

Liam McCarthy to Tom Blundell, Slightly shorter again, on off, Tom Blundell covers his line and blocks it to the left of the bowler.

17:38 (IST) May 27
New Zealand vs Ireland Live Score : 87/4 (25.1 overs)
0
Overs25.1
Score87 - 4

Liam McCarthy to Tom Blundell, That one nipped in! Back of a length, on off, and it nips in sharply. Tom Blundell hops a bit and looks to block it but wears it high on his pads. The ball rolls towards the point fielder. Dot.

17:37 (IST) May 27
New Zealand vs Ireland Live Score : 87/4 (24.6 overs)
Score after 25 overs 87 - 4
Runs Scored: 0
000000
  • Rachin Ravindra 37 (55)
  • Tom Blundell 1 (9)
Mark Adair9-3-19-3
0
Overs24.6
Score87 - 4

Mark Adair to Rachin Ravindra, Good length, onto the pads, Rachin Ravindra tucks this well towards the mid-wicket region for a dot.

17:37 (IST) May 27
New Zealand vs Ireland Live Score : 87/4 (24.5 overs)
0
Overs24.5
Score87 - 4

Mark Adair to Rachin Ravindra, Short and wide of off, Rachin Ravindra gives it a good look and leaves this one.

17:36 (IST) May 27
New Zealand vs Ireland Live Score : 87/4 (24.4 overs)
0
Overs24.4
Score87 - 4

Mark Adair to Rachin Ravindra, Hard length, around off, angling back into the batter. Rachin Ravindra gets on top of the bounce and blocks this to the left of the bowler. 

17:35 (IST) May 27
New Zealand vs Ireland Live Score : 87/4 (24.3 overs)
0
Overs24.3
Score87 - 4

Mark Adair to Rachin Ravindra, Full and wide outside the off stumps, Rachin Ravindra gets onto his front foot and drives this really well but straight into the hands of extra cover. 

17:35 (IST) May 27
New Zealand vs Ireland Live Score : 87/4 (24.2 overs)
0
Overs24.2
Score87 - 4

Mark Adair to Rachin Ravindra, Short and around off, Rachin Ravindra keeps it out.

17:34 (IST) May 27
New Zealand vs Ireland Live Score : 87/4 (24.1 overs)
0
Overs24.1
Score87 - 4

Mark Adair to Rachin Ravindra, Mark comes around the stumps, Rachin Ravindra gets right behind the line of the ball and keeps it out.

17:33 (IST) May 27
New Zealand vs Ireland Live Score : 87/4 (23.6 overs)
Score after 24 overs 87 - 4
Runs Scored: 0
000000
  • Tom Blundell 1 (9)
  • Rachin Ravindra 37 (49)
Liam McCarthy4-1-15-1
0
Overs23.6
Score87 - 4

Liam McCarthy to Tom Blundell, Liam persists to bowl around that nagging length but outside the off stump this time around. Tom leaves it. 

17:32 (IST) May 27
New Zealand vs Ireland Live Score : 87/4 (23.5 overs)
0
Overs23.5
Score87 - 4

Liam McCarthy to Tom Blundell, Hard length, wide of off, Tom Blundell doesn't offer any stroke at it. 

17:32 (IST) May 27
New Zealand vs Ireland Live Score : 87/4 (23.4 overs)
0
Overs23.4
Score87 - 4

Liam McCarthy to Tom Blundell, Liam bends his back and hits the hard length, in the channel, nipping this back into the batter. Tom Blundell gets beaten to the inswing and the ball sneaks past his bat and hits him on his back thigh pad. A loud appeal for LBW but the umpire turns it down.

17:31 (IST) May 27
New Zealand vs Ireland Live Score : 87/4 (23.3 overs)
0
Overs23.3
Score87 - 4

Liam McCarthy to Tom Blundell, Short and wide outside off, Tom Blundell presses onto his front foot and leaves it all alone. 

17:30 (IST) May 27
New Zealand vs Ireland Live Score : 87/4 (23.2 overs)
0
Overs23.2
Score87 - 4

Liam McCarthy to Tom Blundell, Back of a length, around off, Tom Blundell jumps up on his toes and pushes this towards covers for a dot.

17:30 (IST) May 27
New Zealand vs Ireland Live Score : 87/4 (23.1 overs)
0
Overs23.1
Score87 - 4

Liam McCarthy to Tom Blundell, McCarthy bends his back and hits the deck hard, around middle. Tom Blundell hops and dabs it down the track. 

17:29 (IST) May 27
New Zealand vs Ireland Live Score : 87/4 (22.6 overs)
Score after 23 overs 87 - 4
Runs Scored: 0
0(W)00100
  • Rachin Ravindra 37 (49)
  • Tom Blundell 1 (3)
Mark Adair8-2-19-3
0
Overs22.6
Score87 - 4

Mark Adair to Rachin Ravindra, Full-length delivery, on off, Rachin Ravindra blocks it back to the bowler.

17:28 (IST) May 27
New Zealand vs Ireland Live Score : 87/4 (22.5 overs)
0
Overs22.5
Score87 - 4

Mark Adair to Rachin Ravindra, Pitches it up, fuller, around off, Rachin Ravindra defends it to mid-wicket.

17:27 (IST) May 27
New Zealand vs Ireland Live Score : 87/4 (22.4 overs)
1
Overs22.4
Score87 - 4

Mark Adair to Tom Blundell, Tap and single! Back of a length, just outside off, Tom Blundell hops and bunts it toward point to take a quick single.

17:26 (IST) May 27
New Zealand vs Ireland Live Score : 86/4 (22.3 overs)
0
Overs22.3
Score86 - 4

Mark Adair to Tom Blundell, Good-length delivery, outside off, swinging it away from the batter. Tom Blundell lunges and hangs his bat in the air to make a leave at it.

17:26 (IST) May 27
New Zealand vs Ireland Live Score : 86/4 (22.2 overs)
0
Overs22.2
Score86 - 4

Mark Adair to Tom Blundell, A hint of outswinger now! Fuller in length, just outside off, nips it a bit away. Tom Blundell jams it to the off side.

17:25 (IST) May 27

Two in a really quick succession for Ireland. Tom Blundell walks out with the bat in his hands.

17:23 (IST) May 27
New Zealand vs Ireland Live Score : 86/4 (22.1 overs)
W
Overs22.1
Score86 - 4

Mark Adair to Daryl Mitchell, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Two quick wickets for Ireland, and the Kiwis are in a spot of bother. Good length, on off, and this one shapes away a touch. Daryl Mitchell leans on and looks to block it, but misses. The ball kisses the outside edge of Daryl Mitchell's blade and goes towards the keeper, Lorcan Tucker, who makes no mistake. A short stay for Daryl Mitchell as he makes his way back into the shed.

17:22 (IST) May 27
New Zealand vs Ireland Live Score : 86/3 (21.6 overs)
Score after 22 overs 86 - 3
Runs Scored: 0
02001(1WD)0(W)1
  • Daryl Mitchell 1 (1)
  • Rachin Ravindra 37 (47)
Liam McCarthy3-0-15-1
1
Overs21.6
Score86 - 3

Liam McCarthy to Daryl Mitchell, Daryl Mitchell gets off the mark. Hard length, on off, Daryl Mitchell gets on his toes and taps it to short cover for a quick single.

17:22 (IST) May 27

Ireland breaks a crucial partnership. Daryl Mitchell is the new man at the crease.

17:20 (IST) May 27
New Zealand vs Ireland Live Score : 85/3 (21.5 overs)
W
Overs21.5
Score85 - 3

Liam McCarthy to Kane Williamson, OUT! LBW! Appeal goes round and up goes the finger of the umpire. This is an exceptional piece of bowling from Liam McCarthy. He pitches it around the off stump, on a good length and angling in sharply toward the stumps. Kane Williamson hangs onto his back foot and looks to nudge it to the leg side, but gets beaten on the inside edge and thumps on the front pad. Kane Williamson departs after scoring 36 off 70 balls. New Zealand are 86 for 3 now. 

17:20 (IST) May 27
New Zealand vs Ireland Live Score : 85/2 (21.5 overs)
1wd
Overs21.5
Score85 - 2

Liam McCarthy to Kane Williamson, WIDE! Way to short, just outside off. Kane Williamson leaves it away.

17:19 (IST) May 27
New Zealand vs Ireland Live Score : 84/2 (21.4 overs)
0
Overs21.4
Score84 - 2

Liam McCarthy to Kane Williamson, Good-length delivery, just outside off, Kane hops and punches at it, but straight to the cover fielder.

17:18 (IST) May 27
New Zealand vs Ireland Live Score : 84/2 (21.3 overs)
0
Overs21.3
Score84 - 2

Liam McCarthy to Kane Williamson, Around the off stump, on a good length, Kane Williamson dabs it to cover-point.

17:18 (IST) May 27
New Zealand vs Ireland Live Score : 84/2 (21.2 overs)
2
Overs21.2
Score84 - 2

Liam McCarthy to Kane Williamson, Liam McCarthy drags his length back, just outside off. Kane Williamson gets on his toes and punches at it to the left of the backward point fielder for a couple of runs.

17:17 (IST) May 27
New Zealand vs Ireland Live Score : 82/2 (21.1 overs)
0
Overs21.1
Score82 - 2

Liam McCarthy to Kane Williamson, Full-length delivery, on off, Kane Williamson nudges it across the line to short mid-wicket.

17:16 (IST) May 27
New Zealand vs Ireland Live Score : 82/2 (20.6 overs)
Score after 21 overs 82 - 2
Runs Scored: 0
011100
  • Rachin Ravindra 37 (47)
  • Kane Williamson 34 (65)
Mark Adair7-2-18-2
0
Overs20.6
Score82 - 2

Mark Adair to Rachin Ravindra, Pitches it up, fuller, outside off, Rachin Ravindra shoulders at it.

17:15 (IST) May 27
New Zealand vs Ireland Live Score : 82/2 (20.5 overs)
0
Overs20.5
Score82 - 2

Mark Adair to Rachin Ravindra, Back of a length, around off, Rachin Ravindra rides the bounce and dabs it to point.

17:15 (IST) May 27
New Zealand vs Ireland Live Score : 82/2 (20.4 overs)
1
Overs20.4
Score82 - 2

Mark Adair to Kane Williamson, Fuller in length, around off, Kane pats it with soft hands toward the cover-point and gets a quick single.

17:14 (IST) May 27
New Zealand vs Ireland Live Score : 81/2 (20.3 overs)
1
Overs20.3
Score81 - 2

Mark Adair to Rachin Ravindra, Good-length delivery, just outside off, Rachin Ravindra leans on the delivery, opens the face of the bat and guides it through cover-point for a single.

17:13 (IST) May 27
New Zealand vs Ireland Live Score : 80/2 (20.2 overs)
1
Overs20.2
Score80 - 2

Mark Adair to Kane Williamson, Back of a length, around leg, Kane Williamson pulls it to deep fine leg and gets an easy single.

17:12 (IST) May 27
New Zealand vs Ireland Live Score : 79/2 (20.1 overs)
0
Overs20.1
Score79 - 2

Mark Adair to Kane Williamson, Full, around off, Kane pushes it to cover.

17:12 (IST) May 27

Change! Mark Adair gets back into the attack, replacing Thomas Mayes.

17:11 (IST) May 27
New Zealand vs Ireland Live Score : 79/2 (19.6 overs)
Score after 20 overs 79 - 2
Runs Scored: 0
040114
  • Rachin Ravindra 36 (44)
  • Kane Williamson 32 (62)
Liam McCarthy2-0-11-0
4
Overs19.6
Score79 - 2

Liam McCarthy to Rachin Ravindra, FOUR! Edged and over. The luck is just not favouring Ireland. Liam McCarthy bangs hard on the good length, slanting it away. Rachin Ravindra looks to pull, but induces the top edge. The ball loops over the slip cordon and bounces away to deep third for four runs.

17:10 (IST) May 27
New Zealand vs Ireland Live Score : 75/2 (19.5 overs)
1
Overs19.5
Score75 - 2

Liam McCarthy to Kane Williamson, Back of a length, around off, Kane Williamson gets on his toes and bunts it to backward point.

17:09 (IST) May 27
New Zealand vs Ireland Live Score : 74/2 (19.4 overs)
1
Overs19.4
Score74 - 2

Liam McCarthy to Rachin Ravindra, Short, on middle, Rachin Ravindra pulls it to deep square leg for one.

17:09 (IST) May 27
New Zealand vs Ireland Live Score : 73/2 (19.3 overs)
0
Overs19.3
Score73 - 2

Liam McCarthy to Rachin Ravindra, Short, angling away from the batter. Rachin Ravindra sways away and makes a leave at it.

136 More Updates
Ireland vs New Zealand Test: Ireland and New Zealand are facing off in a historic one-off Test at Stormont, Belfast — the first-ever Test match between the two nations. Ireland won the toss and chose to bowl first, hoping to exploit the seam-friendly conditions early on.

Ireland will miss experienced batter Paul Stirling due to injury, while Mark Adair leads the pace attack after strong recent form. Lorcan Tucker remains their key batter in the middle order.

New Zealand enter as heavy favourites with a powerful pace attack featuring Kyle Jamieson, Will O’Rourke and Ben Sears. Captain Tom Latham is also close to becoming one of New Zealand’s most successful Test captains.

Although no World Test Championship points are at stake, the match is significant for Ireland, who rarely get opportunities to play and host Test cricket. For New Zealand, it serves as preparation for their upcoming Test series against England.