Ireland made an energetic start to the historic one-off Test against New Zealand at Stormont, Belfast, on Wednesday, with debutant Liam McCarthy stealing the spotlight through a sensational fielding effort. On a surface offering movement for the pacers, the hosts kept the New Zealand batters under pressure during the opening session before the visitors managed to recover strongly as the day progressed.

Liam McCarthy leaves fans stunned with breathtaking diving catch

The memorable moment arrived in the seventh over when Ireland pacer Mark Adair bowled a full delivery angling towards Devon Conway’s pads. The New Zealand opener attempted a flick towards the leg side and appeared to have timed the shot perfectly. However, stationed at short mid-wicket, Liam reacted brilliantly and launched himself to his left to complete a superb diving catch just above the turf. The youngster managed to hold onto the ball even after tumbling on the ground, leaving both teammates and spectators amazed by the athletic effort.

The catch proved to be a massive breakthrough for Ireland as Conway departed for just four runs off 13 deliveries. McCarthy’s effort instantly became one of the standout moments from the opening day of the Belfast Test, especially considering the little reaction time available at such a close-in position.

Here’s the video:

A look back at Liam McCarthy's diving catch from the morning session 🤩@solar_failte | #BackingGreen ☘️🏏 pic.twitter.com/rQneKniVZU

— Cricket Ireland (@cricketireland) May 27, 2026

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Rachin Ravindra and Tom Blundell rescue New Zealand on Day 1

Ireland’s bowlers dominated the early exchanges after New Zealand were asked to bat first under gloomy Belfast conditions. Mark struck with just his second delivery to remove captain Tom Latham for a duck before adding the wicket of Daryl Mitchell later in the session. McCarthy also made an impact with the ball by trapping Kane Williamson LBW after the former New Zealand skipper struggled to find rhythm at the crease. At one stage, the visitors were reduced to 86/4 as Ireland’s disciplined bowling created plenty of problems.

However, Rachin Ravindra and Tom Blundell steadied the innings with a massive 217-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Ravindra showcased patience throughout his innings and eventually brought up his fifth Test century, while Blundell looked fluent with his strokeplay on both sides of the wicket.

Ireland’s inexperienced attack began to tire as conditions became easier for batting later in the day. Ravindra eventually departed after reaching three figures, but Blundell remained unbeaten alongside debutant Dean Foxcroft at stumps to put New Zealand in a much stronger position heading into Day 2.

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