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New Zealand recovered from an early collapse to finish day one of the only Test against Ireland in a commanding position at 361-5 at Stormont.
After slipping to 88-4 thanks to a superb opening spell from Mark Adair, the tourists were rescued by a dominant 217-run partnership between Rachin Ravindra and Tom Blundell.
Ravindra struck a brilliant 142 before eventually falling late in the day, while Blundell ended unbeaten on 142 as the Black Caps seized control in Belfast.
Ireland, playing just their 13th Test, made a dream start after winning the toss and electing to field.
Adair dismissed New Zealand captain Tom Latham with the second ball of the match before also removing Devon Conway and Daryl Mitchell to leave the visitors under pressure.
Test debutant Liam McCarthy added to Ireland’s strong start by trapping Kane Williamson lbw for 39 to claim a memorable first Test wicket.
However, Ravindra and Blundell steadied the innings before turning the momentum completely in New Zealand’s favour across the afternoon and evening sessions.
Ireland were left to regret a dropped catch by captain Andrew Balbirnie in the slips when Ravindra was given a reprieve.
Ravindra later reached his fifth Test century with a six, while Blundell brought up his sixth Test hundred from 173 deliveries.
Harry Tector eventually broke the stand when Ravindra was caught late in the day, but Blundell continued alongside Dean Foxcroft to guide New Zealand to a strong close.
“We got a really good start, the first hour was unbelievable,” said McCarthy.
“There’s not many better wickets than Kane Williamson for your first one.”
Ravindra added: “The Test century was brilliant and it was a special feeling batting with one of my best mates, Tom Blundell.”
Play resumes at Stormont at 11:00 BST on Thursday.
