Irish creamed as Kiwis go on a rampage

The Black Caps thrashed a makeshift Irish side by what is 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.

Their total of 402 for two was also their highest ODI total and an opening stand of 266 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 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 unbeaten 59 from only 24 balls.

Strydom was bowled by Tim Southee in the next over, however, and things fell apart quickly. Only some lusty hitting from tail-ender Peter Connell, who got 22 not out, ensured Ireland hoisted their tally above the 100 mark.