The BLACKCAPS went on a run-scoring spree to amass a one-day score in excess of 400 for the first time on their way to an overwhelming 290-run defeat of Ireland in Aberdeen.
Openers Brendon McCullum (166) and James Marshall (161) and a quickfire unbeaten 59 from Ross Taylor saw the BLACKCAPS to 402-2 before the bowling attack went to work and dismissed Ireland for 112 at Mannofield Park.
The 290-run winning margin was the heaviest defeat inflicted on a side batting second in one-day cricket history.
Ireland won the toss and put the BLACKCAPS into bat but had to wait until the 43rd over for their first breakthrough.
McCullum, having hit 10 sixes and 11 fours in his 135-ball innings, was on track for the first double-century in international one-day cricket before he holed out.
His 274-run stand with Marshall for the first wicket established a new BLACKCAPS partnership record for all wickets and is the fifth-best in world cricket.
Marshall and Taylor combined to add 114 for the second wicket before Marshall fell afetr his 141-ball innings which featured 11 fours and four sixes.
Taylor finished with five fours and four sixes in his 24-ball innings of 59 not out.
All the Irish bowlers, who were missing key players through injuries and county commitments, struggled but none more so than Peter Connell whose nine overs went for 95 runs.
Ireland's run chase began in positive fashion but they lost their first wicket in the fifth over on 28 and from then on wicdkets tumbled regularly.
Tim Southee, fresh from his man of the series award against England, grabbed 3-22 while Michael Mason took 3-35.
It took some lusty blows from number 10 Connell, who hit an unbeaten 22, to prevent Ireland from an even more damaging defeat.
