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, 22:03:54 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.
17:37 (IST) May 28

A perfect start for New Zealand. Cade Carmichael is the next batter.

17:36 (IST) May 28
Ireland vs New Zealand Live Score : 0/1 (0.2 overs)
W
Overs0.2
Score0 - 1

Nathan Smith to Stephen Doheny, OUT! LBW! Yesterday, it was Tom Latham who fell on the second ball, and now it's Stephen Doheny. A tad fuller, on middle and leg, Stephen Doheny stays back and looks to flick it, but misses as the ball hits his pads. A loud appeal and the finger goes up straightaway. Stephen Doheny walks back for a duck.

17:36 (IST) May 28
Ireland vs New Zealand Live Score : 0/0 (0.1 overs)
0
Overs0.1
Score0 - 0

Nathan Smith to Stephen Doheny, Nathan Smith starts with a length ball, on off, Stephen Doheny pushes it to the point fielder.

15:24 (IST) May 27
Ireland vs New Zealand, Live Score: Playing XI - Ireland
Andrew Balbirnie(c), Stephen Doheny, Cade Carmichael, Harry Tector, Curtis Campher, Lorcan Tucker(w), Andy McBrine, Mark Adair, Liam McCarthy, Reuben Wilson, Thomas Mayes
15:23 (IST) May 27
Ireland vs New Zealand, Live Score: Playing XI - New Zealand
Tom Latham(c), Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell(w), Dean Foxcroft, Nathan Smith, Zakary Foulkes, Blair Tickner, Ben Sears
15:23 (IST) May 27
Ireland vs New Zealand, Live Score: Toss Update
Hosts Ireland have won the toss and have opted to field against New Zealand in their only test at Civil Service Cricket Club, Belfast
15:21 (IST) May 27
Ireland vs New Zealand, Live Score: Pitch Condition
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.
15:21 (IST) May 27
Ireland vs New Zealand, Live Score: Welcome
Hello and welcome to our live coverage of the historic four-day Test between Ireland and New Zealand in Belfast. This is the first-ever Test meeting between the two sides, making it a significant occasion for both teams.

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.
15:21 (IST) May 27
Ireland vs New Zealand, Live Score: Squads
New Zealand Squad: Tom Latham(c), Devon Conway, Will Young, Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell(w), Zakary Foulkes, Michael Rae, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Henry Nicholls, Blair Tickner, Nathan Smith, Ben Sears, Dean Foxcroft, Kristian Clarke, William ORourke

Ireland Squad: Andrew Balbirnie(c), Harry Tector, Cade Carmichael, Curtis Campher, Jake Egan, Lorcan Tucker(w), Andy McBrine, Mark Adair, Matthew Humphreys, Craig Young, Reuben Wilson, Thomas Mayes, Stephen Doheny, Liam McCarthy
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.