IRE vs NZ: New Zealand on cusp of victory after Nathan Smith’s devastating 6-wicket haul

New Zealand tightened their grip on the one-off Test against Ireland as the hosts finished Day 2 on 65/2, trailing by 246 runs in the second innings at Civil Service Cricket Club, Belfast. A six-wicket haul from Nathan Smith (6/40) blew away Ireland, skittling them for just 179 in the first innings as the hosts were asked to follow on. Earlier, New Zealand resumed their first innings on 361/5 with Tom Blundell (142*) and Dean Foxcroft (38*) at the crease.

The duo extended their partnership to 158 for the sixth wicket as Foxcroft scored a brilliant half-century on his Test debut. Both batters continued to pile on the runs against a tired Irish attack as Blundell crossed 150 for the first time in his Test career while Foxcroft was also eyeing his maiden Test century.

The wicketkeeper-batter was eventually missed out on his double hundred as he tried to get there quickly by dancing down the track against Reuben Wilson, but holed out to deep mid-wicket for a well-made 186 (292). At the other end, Foxcroft also had a heartbreaking end to his innings as he fell two runs short of a Test century on debut, top-edging Andy McBrine to Reuben Wilson at short fine leg for 98 (129).

As the 28-year-old trudged back to the pavilion, Kiwi captain Tom Latham also decided to declare the innings on 490/8. New Zealand had around six overs to have a crack at Ireland before lunch, and it was enough for Nathan Smith to unleash mayhem.

Smith's carnage leaves Ireland in deep trouble

The carnage began in the first over itself as he trapped Stephen Doheny (0 off 2) in front of the stumps for a two-ball duck, and later found the thin edge of Cade Carmichael (0 off 4) on the last ball of the over to leave the hosts reeling at 0/2. There was no respite for the Irish in the second session as well, as Smith dismantled Irish captain Andrew Balbirnie’s (13 off 16) stumps.

The right-arm speedster further accounted for Curtis Campher and Lorcan Tucker in the same over, bowling another double-wicket maiden to register his maiden five-wicket haul, with just five overs into his spell. Ireland were further reduced to 38/6 as Zakar Foulkes got rid of Harry Tector (16 off 32).

Andy McBrine helps salvage some pride

As Ireland stared at an embarrassing first innings score, Andy McBrine (73* off 105) and Mark Adair (40 off 86) came to their team’s rescue, forging a 116-run stand for the seventh wicket to help their side cross the 150-run mark. However, Smith continued to be the thorn in their flesh, ending the partnership by dismissing Adair after surprising him with a bouncer.

Ireland were eventually bundled out for 179 and were asked to follow on by the Kiwis. In the second innings, they had put up an improved show with the bat as Stephen Doheny (36* off 47) came out with a positive intent. However, Blair Tickner (2/14) got rid of Andrew Balbirnie and Cade Carmichael cheaply as Ireland finished the day on 65/2.