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Blundell, Foxcroft and Smith give New Zealand vice-grip on Ireland Test – Nathan Smith Dominates as New Zealand Take Control Against Ireland

Ali Naseer · 29/05/2026 · 4 min read

A Commanding Performance in Belfast

New Zealand have firmly established their dominance in the one-off four-day Test match against Ireland, delivering a clinical display on the second day of play in Belfast. Building upon the solid platform established by Rachin Ravindra’s magnificent century on the opening day, the visitors dictated terms with both bat and ball to put themselves in an unassailable position.

The Batting Masterclass

The morning session belonged to Tom Blundell and debutant Dean Foxcroft. Resuming from an overnight score of 361 for 5, the pair meticulously wore down the Irish bowling attack. The absence of Mark Adair from the morning session—Ireland’s primary threat with the ball on day one—undoubtedly hindered the hosts as they struggled to find a breakthrough.

Blundell, who finished with a masterful 186, was particularly destructive. He expertly handled the leg-stump line and short-pitched deliveries, utilizing powerful pulls and flat-batted shots to find the boundaries between midwicket and long on. At the other end, Dean Foxcroft looked entirely at home on the international stage. In a composed debut innings, he struck six fours and a six, displaying brilliant footwork before falling just two runs shy of a maiden Test century.

The duo’s 158-run partnership for the sixth wicket effectively took the game away from Ireland. New Zealand eventually declared their first innings at a formidable 490 for 8, shortly before the lunch interval.

Nathan Smith’s Opening Spell of Destruction

If the morning was defined by New Zealand’s batting prowess, the afternoon belonged exclusively to seamer Nathan Smith. Facing a new-ball spell that will long be remembered by Irish supporters, Smith scythed through the top order with surgical precision. He claimed a six-wicket haul, finishing with exceptional figures of 6 for 40, a performance that included an unwanted record for the hosts: four of Ireland’s top six batters were dismissed for ducks.

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The collapse began immediately. Just two balls into the innings, Smith produced a delivery that nipped back to trap Stephen Doheny lbw. Four balls later, Cade Carmichael edged a straight delivery to Tom Latham at slip, leaving Ireland reeling at 0 for 2 after just one over. Following the lunch break, Smith continued his rampage, dismantling the defenses of Andrew Balbirnie, Curtis Campher, and Lorcan Tucker to reach his maiden Test five-for.

A Brief Respite for the Hosts

Ireland’s middle and lower order provided a rare moment of defiance. Andy McBrine and Mark Adair combined for a gritty 116-run partnership for the seventh wicket. Much like their previous record-breaking efforts against England and Zimbabwe, the pair displayed remarkable patience once the sun emerged. McBrine, who remained unbeaten on 73, played with enterprise, while Adair contributed a vital 40 before falling to a sharp short ball from Smith.

Despite this stand, Ireland was bowled out for 179. New Zealand, sensing an opportunity to wrap up the match quickly, enforced the follow-on.

The Road Ahead

In their second innings, Ireland showed signs of greater stability, with openers Stephen Doheny and Andrew Balbirnie putting together a 42-run opening stand. However, Blair Tickner struck twice before the close of play to remove both openers. By stumps, Ireland reached 65 for 2, still trailing by a massive 246 runs. With two days remaining and the visitors’ seamers finding movement off the surface at will, the challenge for Ireland remains steep as they attempt to make the Black Caps bat again.

Key Highlights from Day Two:

Nathan Smith: 6 for 40 in the first innings, including four ducks in the top six.
Tom Blundell: A commanding 186 runs to set the tone for the visitors.
Dean Foxcroft: An impressive 98 on his Test debut.
Persistence: The 116-run partnership between Andy McBrine and Mark Adair provided the only real resistance for the Irish side.

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The stage is now set for a decisive third day as New Zealand looks to force a victory in this one-off encounter.

Ali Naseer

Ali Naseer is a senior sports correspondent for The News International, known for his authoritative coverage of Pakistan cricket and his razor‑sharp technical analysis. A graduate of the University of Karachi, he began his career documenting club cricket in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the Northern Areas, bringing to light the raw fast‑bowling talent that has become Pakistan’s hallmark. Ali’s work now spans global ICC tournaments and every edition of the Pakistan Super League, where he is a familiar face in the press box. He combines an intimate knowledge of the domestic structure with an ability to break down high‑pressure match situations for a national readership. His columns on the art of reverse swing and the history of Pakistani pace bowlers have become essential reading for fans. Twice honoured by the APNS and his own paper, Ali remains dedicated to telling the stories of the players and places that keep Pakistan cricket alive.