BELFAST — New Zealand defeated Ireland by an innings and 79 runs in a one-off Test match at Civil Service Cricket Club, Stormont, ending the contest on day three of the scheduled four-day game. New Zealand declared their first innings at 490-8 and enforced the follow-on after Ireland was bowled out for 179 in response.

Ireland began their second innings on day three at 65-2 and were eventually dismissed for 232, with Stephen Doheny scoring 57—his first Test half-century—and Lorcan Tucker adding 50, his fifth in Tests. Blair Tickner claimed 5-76 in the second innings, his first five-wicket haul in Test cricket, while Curtis Campher retired hurt with a hand injury and Liam McCarthy was run out for 11. The match concluded before tea when Reuben Wilson was dismissed by Tickner.

Tom Blundell anchored New Zealand’s innings with 186 runs, supported by Rachin Ravindra’s 121. The pair shared a 217-run partnership after New Zealand had slumped to 86-4. Dean Foxcroft contributed 98 on his Test debut, helping the visitors post a commanding total. Nathan Smith starred with the ball, taking 6-40 in Ireland’s first innings and finishing with eight wickets in the match.

Ireland captain Andy Balbirnie acknowledged New Zealand’s dominance, saying, "They were definitely the better team, there is no hiding away from the fact. We had little chances in the game, especially in the first morning when we could have capitalised a bit better, but we didn't and a team like that will punish you and they did." He added, "It was great to get a few guys debuts and Test experience, but ultimately we weren't at the levels they were at."

New Zealand captain Tom Latham said, "A great Test match. We were put under pressure on the first day so for Rachin [Ravindra] and Tom [Blundell] to then absorb a lot of pressure, put it back on and form a really good partnership and then for Dean [Foxcroft] to come in and build another partnership with Tom on debut, was outstanding." He also noted, "With the ball, both innings we hung in there really well and set the tone really well with the new ball in the first innings. A couple of periods of time where we weren't at our best, but managed to find our rhythm and tempo and bowlers did a great job."