New Zealand followed up their 3-1 one-day series win over England with a record-breaking defeat of Ireland here Tuesday in the opening match of a triangular tournament also involving Scotland.
The Black Caps thrashed a makeshift Irish side by 290 runs in what was the biggest margin of victory in the history of one-day international cricket, surpassing India's 257-run defeat of Bermuda at last year's World Cup. New Zealand's total of 402 for two was also their highest one-day international total and an opening stand of 274 runs between Brendon McCullum and James Marshall was the fifth highest for any wicket.
In reply, Ireland were scuttled out for 112. McCullum claimed his first ODI century with a knock of 166 from 141 deliveries that featured 11 boundaries and ten sixes. Marshall took 120 balls to post his hundred but then added a further 61 from only 21 more deliveries. McCullum finally fell in the 43rd over, holing out to Ryan Haire on the cover boundary off the bowling of Phil Eaglestone.
McCullum's departure brought little respite as Ross Taylor set about a ragged Irish attack with an onslaught which saw him race to an unbeaten 59 from only 24 balls, with one of his four sixes comfortably clearing the pavilion on its way out of the ground.
The second wicket fell when Marshall skied a catch to wicketkeeper Gary Wilson off Reinhardt Strydom in the final over. Ireland's response started positively enough as openers Strydom and Wilson moved smoothly to 27 without loss off four overs. Strydom was bowled by Tim Southee in the next over, however, and things fell apart quickly. Southee and Michael Mason claimed three wickets apiece while only some lusty hitting from tail-ender Peter Connell, who top-scored with 22 not out, ensured Ireland hoisted their tally above the 100 mark.
