New Zealand are on the verge of a historic win against Ireland in the first-ever Test match between the two countries, played at Stormont in Belfast.
After a strong batting performance on day one, the Black Caps declared their first innings at 490-8 before lunch on day two. Tom Blundell was the standout with the bat, finishing on a career-best 186. Debutant Dean Foxcroft also impressed on his first Test appearance, falling just two runs short of a century on 98.
New Zealand’s bowlers then got to work and bowled Ireland out for just 179. Fast bowler Nathan Smith was the pick of the attack, taking six wickets for 40 runs and breaking a New Zealand bowling record along the way. Ireland’s top order collapsed early, with four of the first six batters dismissed without scoring.
With such a huge lead, New Zealand enforced the follow-on, meaning Ireland had to bat again straight away. This is a tactic used when one team is so far ahead that making the other side bat twice in a row gives the best chance of winning within the allotted time.
Ireland batted better in their second innings but were still 65-2 at stumps, needing 312 more runs to win. That target looks well out of reach.
The match is only scheduled for four days, and rain is forecast on the final day, so New Zealand will be looking to take the remaining eight wickets quickly.
