IRE vs NZ Prediction, Only Test- New Zealand Tour of Ireland, 2026, Who Will Win Today?

Ireland vs New Zealand Test predictions [Source: AFP]

Ireland is set to play their first home Test in July 2024 as they host New Zealand in the one-off Test in Belfast, from May 27 to 30 at 3:30 PM (IST).

This will act as a preparatory match for New Zealand ahead of their England tour, while Ireland would want to give a strong account of themselves, with talks of an extended World Test Championship going on.

New Zealand have decided to go with their full-strength squad for the match, but the Irish will miss the services of some of their senior players due to injuries. However, they still have a well-rounded squad, with as many as four potential debutants.

As the sides begin the Test summer of 2026, we take a look at what to expect from the match.

IRE vs NZ current form (last 5 matches)

IRE vs NZ player battles

Devon Conway vs Mark Adair

In 2025, Devon Conway had a dream year in Test cricket, despite playing only 5 Tests. In the 9 innings, he scored 697 runs at an average of 87.12, getting 3 hundreds and two fifties. He is also approaching his 10000 FC runs, and with the new ball, he will face Mark Adair’s right-arm pace.

Adair is Ireland’s highest wicket-taking pacer, with 25 wickets in 13 innings at an average of 28.60 but an impressive strike rate of 47.68. He will look to dismiss Conway early in the innings and complete his 50 FC wickets.

Lorcan Tucker vs Matt Henry

The last time Belfast hosted a Test, Lorcan Tucker scored a fourth-innings fifty to help Ireland chase 158 from 16/4 and 21/5. He is also their leading run-scorer in the format with 703 runs at 43.93. He will be the key batter for them, while Matt Henry, with 140 Test wickets, will be lethal at this time of the year in the Irish conditions.

Last year, Henry picked 20 wickets in 3 matches at an average of just 10.90 and a strike rate of 27.40. How Tucker fares against him will be key for Ireland, especially with a senior player like Paul Stirling missing the match.

Kane Williamson vs Matthew Humphreys

Kane Williamson is moving closer to the landmark of 10,000 Test runs. With four Tests to be played in this tour of Ireland and England, he has a great opportunity to get off to a big score in this match and reach the milestone before the England tour ends.

Left-arm orthodox, Matthew Humphreys has had a good start to his Test career with two five-fers in 5 matches played. Previously, Williamson has been dismissed 26 times by left-arm orthodox bowlers in 84 Test innings, but has also scored against them at an average of 61.40, making it an exciting match-up to watch.

Also Read: New Zealand Predicted Playing XI vs Ireland- Only Test, NZ Tour Of IRE 2026

IRE vs NZ top performers (current squad members)

The two teams have never played a Test against each other. Hence, there is no previous head-to-head record yet.

IRE vs NZ toss prediction

Previously, only one Test has been played at the venue, where Ireland won the toss and elected to bowl first. In that match, the new ball bowlers had assistance early in the match, but spinners also played a part as the match progressed to the final day. It will be an even contest between bat and ball, but the team winning the toss would prefer bowling first.

IRE vs NZ 1st innings score prediction

Final score – 274/10

IRE vs NZ 2nd innings score prediction

Final score – 388/10

IRE vs NZ 3rd innings score prediction

Final score – 198/10

IRE vs NZ 4th innings score prediction

Final score – 86/2

IRE vs NZ top players prediction

IRE top players' prediction

Probable best batters

Lorcan Tucker, Curtis Campher

Probable best bowlers

Andy McBrine, Thomas Mayes

NZ top players prediction

Probable best batters

Tom Latham, Kane Williamson

Probable best bowlers

Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry

Who will score the most fours in the IRE vs NZ Only Test?

Kane Williamson

IRE vs NZ match winner prediction: Who will win the Only Test?

Ireland is a team who are slowly developing talents, as their first generation of Test players head towards the latter part of their careers. With a better first-class structure, some new faces show promise to fight against better quality opponents.

However, despite the raw talent in Ireland, the Kiwis are currently too good to lose against them at this point. Additionally, this is an important match for the tourists to get accustomed to the conditions and prepare for the England series. Hence, New Zealand will win the Test comfortably.

Also Read: Ireland Predicted Playing XI vs New Zealand- Only Test, NZ Tour Of IRE 2026