New Zealand Dominate Day 1 Against Ireland with Blundell's 142*
Blundell and Ravindra's 217-run partnership turns the game in Kiwis' favor
New Zealand ended Day 1 of their Test match against Ireland with a strong 361/5, thanks to Tom Blundell's unbeaten 142 and a pivotal 217-run partnership with Rachin Ravindra. Despite Ireland winning the toss and bowling first under grey skies, with Mark Adair striking early to dismiss Tom Latham for a duck, the Kiwis recovered from a precarious 86/4. Blundell and Ravindra's masterclass turned the tide, with both scoring centuries. The stand was eventually broken by Harry Tector, dismissing Ravindra, but not before significant damage was done. Blundell remained unbeaten on 142, paired with debutant Dean Foxcroft on 38*, setting up a dominant position for New Zealand. The match resumes on May 28 at 10 am GMT.
