![New Zealand Test team [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1779772909933_NewZealandTestteam.jpg?type=hq)
New Zealand Test team [Source: AFP]
New Zealand will begin their red-ball assignment against Ireland with a one-off Test at the Civil Service Cricket Club in Stormont, Belfast, starting on May 27.
The Black Caps will enter the contest as clear favourites given their superior experience and depth in Test cricket, but Ireland have shown in recent years that they are capable of challenging stronger teams in home conditions.
Led by senior players like Tom Latham and Devon Conway, New Zealand will rely heavily on their disciplined batting lineup and potent pace attack spearheaded by Matt Henry. Ireland, meanwhile, will bank on the all-round brilliance of Andy McBrine and the aggressive batting of Lorcan Tucker to stay competitive.
With Belfast conditions expected to assist seam bowlers early on, team selection will play a massive role in deciding the outcome. Here is a look at New Zealand’s predicted playing XI for the one-off Test against Ireland.
New Zealand Playing XI vs Ireland, 2nd Test 2026
Top Order: Tom Latham (c), Devon Conway, Kane Williamson
Tom Latham, Devon Conway and Kane Williamson form arguably New Zealand’s safest top three for red-ball cricket.
Latham remains the ideal captain-opener because of his ability to leave deliveries outside off stump and bat long in difficult conditions. His numbers in 2025 underline that consistency, with 427 runs in three matches at an average of 71.16, including three centuries.
Conway complements him perfectly as an aggressive yet technically compact left-hander. His outstanding 697 runs in five Tests at 87.12 last year, make him New Zealand’s most in-form Test batter heading into the Ireland match.
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Williamson at No. 3 will be a solid anchor even though his numbers were slightly quieter by his standards in 2025, averaging 46.25. Against a swinging ball in Belfast, his technique and patience remain invaluable.
Middle Order & All-Rounders: Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Tom Blundell (wk)
Rachin Ravindra at No. 4 gives New Zealand an attacking left-handed option who can also stabilise innings. His average of 117.25 in 2025 is extraordinary. His left-arm spin also gives New Zealand a secondary spin option if the pitch begins to wear late in the match.
Daryl Mitchell at No. 5 strengthens the middle order with counterattacking ability. Mitchell is especially effective against seam bowling because of his back-foot play. His medium pace further gives the captain another bowling choice if conditions demand rotation.
Glenn Phillips at No. 6 adds aggression and unpredictability. While his batting numbers in Tests remain inconsistent, his off-spin becomes extremely useful in balancing the New Zealand Playing XI vs Ireland.
Belfast generally assists seamers more than spinners, meaning New Zealand do not require a frontline specialist spinner if Phillips and Ravindra can together handle spin duties.
Tom Blundell remains the best wicketkeeping choice despite modest batting returns recently. His glove work is extremely reliable and will also act as a great batting depth for the lineup in the Ireland Test.
Bowlers: Nathan Smith, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Will O’Rourke
Matt Henry is currently among the most lethal Test fast bowlers in world cricket. His 20 wickets in just three matches at an astonishing average of 10.9 last year make him New Zealand’s strike weapon. Belfast conditions could amplify his seam movement even further.
Kyle Jamieson offers bounce and awkward angles because of his height. On pitches with moisture and carry, Jamieson becomes extremely difficult to handle for middle-order batters.
Will O’Rourke provides raw pace and aggression. His ability to hit hard lengths consistently makes him an ideal aggressor alongside Henry and Jamieson.
Nathan Smith is perhaps the most important balancing factor in this New Zealand Playing XI vs Ireland. His medium-fast bowling strengthens the seam attack, while his batting depth at No. 8 ensures New Zealand have genuine lower-order resistance. His 2025 bowling average of 19.66 further proves his effectiveness in red-ball cricket.
New Zealand Playing XI vs Ireland- Tom Latham (c), Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Tom Blundell (wk), Nathan Smith, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Will O’Rourke
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