New Zealand posted 361-5 on day one at Stormont, recovering from 88-4. Mark Adair took three wickets, finishing with 3-66, as Ireland have not yet batted. Rachin Ravindra (142) and Tom Blundell (142*) forged an 217-run partnership for the fifth wicket, taking the score to 361-5. Ireland won the toss, fielded in sunny Belfast, and struggled early.

Early bursts saw Latham bowled first over, Conway caught by debutant Liam McCarthy, and Williamson LBW by the same youngster. Daryl Mitchell fell to Adair’s delivery, leaving New Zealand 104-4 at lunch. Balbirnie’s dropped catch in the slips let Ravindra continue his on‑drive. The afternoon produced the Ravindra‑Blundell stand, with Ravindra reaching his fifth Test century and Blundell his sixth.

Ireland’s fielding lapse allowed Ravindra to drive for a six before his dismissal, caught by Tom Mayes off Harry Tector. Blundell added 38 runs with Dean Foxcroft, closing the day at 361-5. Adair’s early burst set the tone, leaving Ireland 88 for four before the partnership unfolded. The total puts New Zealand in a commanding position, forcing Ireland to chase a large target.