ireland Made an energetic start to the historic one-off Test against new zealand On Wednesday in Stormont, Belfast, with the newcomer Liam McCarthy Grabbing the headlines through a sensational fielding effort. Offering movement on the surface for the pacers, the hosts kept New Zealand’s batsmen under pressure during the opening session, before the visitors managed to recover strongly as the day progressed.
Liam McCarthy surprises fans with breathtaking diving catch
This memorable moment came in the seventh over when Ireland’s fast bowler mark adair bowled a full ball inclined towards the direction devon conway’s Pad. The New Zealand opener attempted to flick it down the leg side and the timing of the shot appeared to be perfect. However, Liam, positioned at short mid-wicket, reacted brilliantly and launched himself to his left to complete a superb diving catch just above the turf. The young player managed to catch the ball even after it fell to the ground, leaving both teammates and spectators amazed by the athletic effort.
This catch proved to be a major breakthrough for Ireland as Conway was out after scoring just four runs from 13 balls. McCarthy’s effort immediately became one of the standout moments of the opening day of the Belfast Test, especially given the short reaction time available in such a close situation.
Here is the video:
A look at Liam McCarthy’s diving catch from the morning session VIEW@solar_failte | #backinggreen ☘️🏏 pic.twitter.com/rQneKniVZU
– Cricket Ireland (@cricketireland) 27 May 2026
Rachin Ravindra and Tom Blundell save New Zealand on the first day
Ireland’s bowlers dominated the early stages after New Zealand were asked to bat first in dreary conditions in Belfast. Mark dismissed the captain on his very second ball. Tom Latham for a duck before adding the wicket of darryl mitchell Later in the session. McCarthy also made an impact by trapping the ball kane williamson The former New Zealand captain was declared LBW after struggling to find rhythm at the crease. At one point the visitors were reduced to 86/4 as Ireland’s disciplined bowling caused a lot of problems.
However, Rachin Ravindra And Tom Blundell They took the innings forward by making a big partnership of 217 runs for the fifth wicket. Ravindra showed composure throughout his innings and eventually brought up his fifth Test century, while Blundell looked fluent in his strokeplay on both sides of the wicket.
Ireland’s inexperienced attack began to tire as batting conditions became easier later on. Ravindra eventually departed after reaching three points, but Blundell remained unbeaten with the debutant Dean Foxcroft New Zealand are in a very strong position at the start of the second day till stumps.
