![Rachin Ravindra and Tom Blundell in action vs Ireland [Source: X]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1779902488437_Rachin_Ravindra_and_Tom_Blundell.jpg?type=hq)
Rachin Ravindra and Tom Blundell in action vs Ireland [Source: X]
Rachin Ravindra and Tom Blundell plundered identical hundreds against Ireland on Day 1 of New Zealand’s one-off Test in Belfast. The two cricketers forged a fighting 217-run partnership for the fifth wicket to lead New Zealand’s recovery after the visitors had slipped to 86-4 within the opening session of the day.
While Ravindra composed 121 runs off 194 balls with 11 boundaries and four huge sixes, Blundell raced to his sixth Test hundred at a similar pace.
Rachin Ravindra returns with rescue partnership with Blundell
Rachin Ravindra, making his return to the field after the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, charted 121 runs off 194 balls against Ireland on Day 1. The elegant left-hander struck 11 boundaries and four sixes to mold his fifth Test century.
Batting at number four, Ravindra arrived to the crease at 21-2 in 6.1 overs following the loss of both openers, captain Tom Latham and Devon Conway. The cricketer was later joined by Tom Blundell at 86-4 in 22.1 overs.
Much like Rachin Ravindra, Tom Blundell also notched up a regal century, the fifth of his career in 45 Tests. Their 217-run partnership for the fifth wicket steered New Zealand past the 300-run mark in the final session of the day.
Their fighting resistance was eventually curtailed by Irish off-spinner Harry Tector in the 78th over of the New Zealand innings.
Ireland vs New Zealand only Test: Story so far…
Ireland captain Andy Balbirnie won the toss and opted to field first. His new ball paceman Mark Adair responded with an early wicket of New Zealand captain and prolific opener Tom Latham in the first over of the match.
The speedster knocked over Latham for a two-ball duck, before accounting for fellow visiting opener Devon Conway for four off 13 balls. The fast bowler also removed Daryl Mitchell for just a single to get his third wicket of the match.
New Zealand’s all-time great Kane Williamson hit five boundaries in his enterprising 36 off 70 balls, but failed to make the most of his promising start as he was caught plumb in front of stumps by Liam McCarthy.
New Zealand’s precarious 86-4 turned to 303-5 over the course of the next 55 overs with a 217-run partnership between Rachin Ravindra and Tom Blundell. By the time of publishing, the visitors reached 325-5 in 85 overs, with centurion Blundell still batting at the crease alongside debutant Dean Foxcroft.
Matt Henry ruled out of Ireland Test
Senior New Zealand fast bowler Matt Henry was ruled out of his team’s playing XI just moments prior to the toss. The cricketer is suffering from an injury and is yet to recover from his low-grade left hamstring strain.
Henry will soon be joining Will O’Rourke and Kyle Jamieson in London to prepare himself for the upcoming three-match Test series against England.
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