Ireland vs New Zealand 1st Test Preview & Tips – Runs for Williamson as New Zealand ease past Ireland
- The pair will battle in a one-off Test match
- This will be the first time the two sides have met in a Test match
- Preview, stats & head to head
-24054748.jpg/public)
Kane Williamson of New Zealand (Getty Images)
Ireland vs New Zealand 1st Test Preview & Tips
Ireland return to the Test match format for the first time since November as they look to bounce back from a chastening 217-run loss to Bangladesh in their last outing back in 2025.
New Zealand humiliated West Indies in a massive 323-run win over their opponents in their last Test outing in December 2025.
- New Zealand are unbeaten in their last six Tests (W5, D1)
- Kane Williamson averages 54.69 in the Test format
Head To Head
This will be the first time the two sides have met in a Test match.
Ireland Form
Ireland are still looking to seriously establish themselves in the longest format, with the side still someway below the required level to seriously challenge the best.
Their last series saw them easily beaten by Bangladesh. Their defeats by an innings and 47 runs and 217 runs saw Ireland crushed twice in quick successions. This had followed on from three consecutive wins, with two victories over Zimbabwe and a battling with over Afghanistan making up this streak.
Against New Zealand, I predict that they will have another tough match ahead. The Black Caps are one of the premier sides in the game, and I do not see Ireland seriously challenging them despite boasting home advantage.
New Zealand Form
New Zealand are looking to extend an unbeaten run that spans across six Test matches back to December 2024.
The Black Caps currently sit fifth on the men's Test rankings with England and India just above them. With England to come in three Tests across June, New Zealand have a huge chance to move up the rankings, and they will target a solid start against Ireland this week.
Kane Williamson may be 35-years-old, but the New Zealand legend continues to plunder runs for his national team. Sitting on 9461 runs, Williamson is eyeing up the 10,000-run mark this summer. With Ireland likely to provide a good work out, I back Williamson to go well with the bat as New Zealand win their opening Test of the British summer.
Verdict
I am backing Williamson to begin New Zealand's tour of Ireland and England with a good score as the Black Caps beat Ireland.
New Zealand
Match Winner
@3/19 - 1 Unit
Bet £10+, Get £10
Promo Code: NEWBONUS
New customers only. Bet £10+ to receive £10 in Free Bets. 7-day free bet expiry. Stake not returned. Promotional Terms Apply. 18+. GambleAware.org
Williamson 50+ Runs
Batter Milestones
@3/5 - 1 Unit
£30 Free Bet
Use promo code NEWBONUS
Claim £30 free bet & 20 Free Spins. Use the promo code NEWBONUS. New Hollywoodbets account holders. 18 years or older. United Kingdom residents only. T&Cs apply.
Top Betting Sites
Betting offers
Upcoming Events
25 May 2026
26 May 2026
27 May 2026
Load More
Ireland v New Zealand 1st Test
days
hours
min
