Nathan Smith six-fer puts New Zealand in commanding position on Day 2

Nathan Smith six-fer puts New Zealand in commanding position on Day 2

Nathan Smith's six-wicket haul helped New Zealand dominate Ireland on Day 2 of the one-off Test in Belfast. Resuming at 361/5, the visitors declared on 490/8 after Tom Blundell (186) and Dean Foxcroft (98) both missed their milestones.

Smith rocked Ireland's first innings, reducing them to 34/5 before they folded for 179. He finished with six wickets. At stumps, Ireland (following on) were 65/2, still trailing by 246 runs.

Blundell converted his overnight century into 186 off 292 balls, hitting 22 fours and three sixes before falling to Reuben Wilson. He shared a 158-run partnership with Foxcroft, who hit six fours and a six before being dismissed by Andy McBrine for 98.

In reply, Ireland's innings started disastrously. Smith took a double-wicket maiden in his first over, dismissing Stephen Doheny and Cade Carmichael for ducks. Ireland slumped to 38/6 as Smith ran through the top order—four of his five early wickets were ducks.

Andy McBrine fought with 73 and Mark Adair made 40, adding 116 runs for the seventh wicket. Smith broke the stand, triggering a collapse from 165/7 to 179 all out.

Ireland's second innings started better with a 47-run opening stand, but Blair Tickner took two quick wickets. Doheny remained 36 not out.

Brief scores: Ireland 179 (McBrine 73*; N Smith 6-40) & 65/2 (Doheny 36*; Tickner 2-14) trail New Zealand 490/8 decl. (Blundell 186, Ravindra 121, Foxcroft 98; Adair 3-66) by 246 runs