New Zealand secured a dominant victory in their Test match against Ireland. The match at Stormont was largely controlled by New Zealand. Ireland now turn their attention to two T20 matches against India in Belfast next month.
Kiwis Too Strong in Test Format
New Zealand were always strong favourites to win this one and they eased to victory in what was the perfect warm-up for a much tougher challenge against England next week. Ireland battled away but they were outclassed in a format they rarely play.
Tickner Seals Victory
The game concluded with Reuben Wilson’s dismissal. Blair Tickner claimed the final wicket, with Wilson edging to Daryl Mitchell. Mark Adair managed a single off a Ben Sears ball, the only run from that over.
Reuben Wilson attempted a big hit, resulting in a top edge that flew over slip to the boundary.
Liam McCarthy slipped while attempting a run and was unable to get back in time, resulting in Blair Tickner removing the stumps. This occurred after two fours from Mark Adair and four overthrows. Mark Adair then hit a four to the deep mid-wicket boundary off Nathan Smith.
Campher Injury a Further Blow for Ireland
Curtis Campher was ruled out for the remainder of the Test match due to a suspected broken hand. Campher was struck in the hand before lunch and subsequently had an x-ray.
Mark Adair swung at a rising Blair Tickner ball, adding two runs before punching to long-on for a second four of the over. That shot brings up 200 for Ireland.
A lucky escape followed for Mark Adair as an inside edge off Nathan Smith narrowly evaded the stumps.
Liam McCarthy made a good impression with the bat, sending a cover drive to the ropes. Ireland have now surpassed their first-innings score.
Liam McCarthy cut square for two runs off Zak Foulkes and then a lovely cover drive brings four more. Eight wickets now in the match for the outstanding Nathan Smith as Liam McCarthy came to the crease.
Tucker’s Hopes Dwindle
Lorcan Tucker’s dismissal dealt a blow to Irish hopes. Tucker skied a short ball from Nathan Smith and Daryl Mitchell took the catch behind the wicket.
Lorcan Tucker sliced a Zak Foulkes delivery to the deep-point boundary and then flicked for a single to register his fifth half-century in Tests. Mark Adair produced a classy stroke to the long-off boundary off Nathan Smith for a four.
Mark Adair hit a fine four to deep point off Zak Foulkes for his first runs since joining Tucker. Lorcan Tucker slashed Ben Sears through the gully area for four and he’s six runs shy of a half-century.
Ireland had a few highlights and they now look forward to two T20 encounters against India at the Belfast venue next month.