Ireland made an energetic start to the historic one-off Test against New Zealand With a debutante at Stormont, Belfast on Wednesday Liam McCarthy stealing the limelight with sensational field efforts. On a surface that offered action for the pacers, the hosts kept the New Zealand batsmen under pressure during the opening session until the visitors recovered strongly as the day progressed.
Liam McCarthy wows fans with his breathtaking diving catch
An unforgettable moment came in the seventh over when the Irish pacer Mark Adair Bowled right angling full delivery Devon Conway pillows. The New Zealand player attempted a spin towards the leg side and seemed to time the shot perfectly. However, standing at short mid-wicket, Liam reacted brilliantly and launched himself to his left to complete a superb diving catch just over the green. The young football player managed to keep the ball even after falling to the ground, impressing both his teammates and the audience with his athletic efforts.
The catch was a huge breakthrough for Ireland as Conway departed for just four runs off 13 deliveries. McCarthy’s effort instantly became one of the highlights from the opening day of the Belfast Test, especially given the little reaction time available in such a close position.
We present the video:
Here’s a look at Liam McCarthy’s diving catch from the morning session 🤩@solar_failte | #BackingGreen ☘️🏏 pic.twitter.com/rQneKniVZU
– Cricket Ireland (@cricketireland) May 27, 2026
Rachin Ravindra and Tom Blundell save New Zealand on Day 1
Ireland’s bowlers dominated the early exchanges after New Zealand were asked to bat first in gloomy Belfast conditions. Mark struck with just his second delivery to get the skipper out Tom Latham before adding to the wicket for a duck Daryl Mitchell later in the session. McCarthy also affected the ball by trapping Kane Williamson The former New Zealand captain then struggled to find rhythm at the LBW crease. At one stage the visitors were reduced to 86/4 as Ireland’s disciplined bowling caused many problems.
However, Rachin Ravindra and Tom Blundell stabilized the innings with a massive 217-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Ravindra showed patience throughout his innings and eventually brought up his fifth Test century, while Blundell looked fluent with his batting on both sides of the wicket.
Ireland’s inexperienced attack began to tire as the batting conditions eased towards the end of the day. Ravindra eventually departed after reaching three figures, but Blundell remained unbeaten on par with the debutant. Dean Foxcroft Stumps to put New Zealand in a stronger position heading into Day 2.
