New Zealand broke into record books against Ireland

New Zealand made a 400-plus score for the first time in one-day cricket as they thrashed Ireland by 290 runs in one of the most one-sided matches ever. Brendon McCullum (166) was at one point on course for the first double-ton in ODIs as he and James Marshall (161) added 274 for the first wicket. That shattered New Zealand's previous best for a partnership in one-dayers. Ireland, needing 403, were bowled out for 112 for the biggest loss ever by a side chasing in one-day internationals.

McCullum, having hit 10 sixes and 11 fours, holed out attempting one shot too many, but the carnage continued over the closing overs through Marshall and Ross Taylor, who hit 59 from 24 balls. New Zealand finished with 402-2, the sixth best score ever in ODIs. But Ireland's chase went reasonably well until the fifth over when the first wicket fell with the score on 29. Tim Southee and Michael Mason struck regularly from then on, and only some brave hitting from number 10 Peter Connell (22 not out) prevented an even more embarrassing result.