Driven by centuries from reliable middle-order batters Rachin Ravindra and Tom Blundell, New Zealand reached a powerful position on the very first day of the lone Test match against Ireland.
After being invited to bat first, New Zealand faced an early collapse, losing the wickets of Tom Latham (0), Devon Conway (4), Kane Williamson (36), and Daryl Mitchell (1) for just 86 runs. However, the duo of Rachin and Blundell played with immense patience for the fifth wicket to rescue the team from danger. The two put together a partnership of 217 runs.
Ravindra was eventually dismissed after scoring 121 runs. At stumps on the opening day, New Zealand’s score stood at 361 for the loss of 5 wickets. Tom Blundell remains at the crease, batting on 142 runs. For Ireland, Mark Adair claimed 3 wickets.
Centuries from Ravindra and Blundell New Zealand in a Strong Position
