The tourists found themselves on the ropes early, falling to 86-4 inside 23 overs, but the magnificence of a Blundell hundred helped to transform the game as the wicketkeeper-batsman joined with Rachin Ravindra for a pivotal 217-run partnership that laid the foundations for a huge first-innings total of 490-8 declared.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"We were put under pressure on that first day - to be four down reasonably early with not many on the board,\" Latham told the Post-Match presentation show. \"The introduction of Tom absorbed quite a lot of pressure and was able to put it back on them and form a really good partnership, over 200.\"<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Back on track, the Kiwis took control and dismissed their hosts for only 179 as Nathan Smith recorded career best figures of 6-40 to hand them a first innings lead of 311 and allow him to exercise the option of following on.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Ireland had little response second time around and were restricted to a further 232, leaving New Zealand comfortable victors well before the close of play and giving them perfect match preparation for their upcoming three-Test series with England during June.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Latham was especially pleased with his team's response to the difficult first day and the achievement of their predetermined batting targets. \"A really pleasing performance,\" said Latham. \"We spoke as a batting unit of getting 400-plus in the first innings, and to get what we did and to push towards the back end to give us a chance to bowl before lunch.\"<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Ireland had little response second time around and were restricted to a further 232, leaving New Zealand comfortable victors well before the close of play and giving them perfect match preparation for their upcoming three-Test series with England during June.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The hundred of Blundell, Smith's six-wicket haul and the comprehensive victory ensure that New Zealand head into the Lord's test match high in confidence and full of momentum.<\/p>\r\n\r\n