New Zealand [Images] thumped minnows Ireland by 290 runs in Aberdeen on Tuesday to register the biggest margin of victory in one-day internationals in the opening match of the Associates Tri-series also involving Scotland.

New Zealand's 290-run victory surpassed India's margin of 257 runs against Bermuda at the 2006 World Cup.

New Zealand's total of 402 for two was also their highest total in ODIs and the opening stand of 274 runs between Brendon McCullum and James Marshall is the fifth highest for any wicket.

In reply, Ireland were sent packing for a mere 112 in 28.4 overs.

Dashing wicketkeeper batsman Brendon McCullum claimed his first ODI century with a blazing knock of 166 from 141 deliveries that featured 11 boundaries and ten sixes. He fell in the 43rd over when he holed out to Ryan Haire off Phil Eaglestone.

James Marshall smashed 161 from 141, that included 11 boundaries and four sixes before he was caught by wicketkeeper Gary Wilson off left-arm pacer Reinhardt Strydom in the final over of the innings.

Ross Taylor also made most of the ocassion, smashing an unbeaten 59 from only 24 balls, including five boundaries and four sixes.

For Ireland, no batsman could even cross the 30-run mark and Peter Connell, batting at number 10, posted the highest score with 22.

Tim Southee and Michael Mason claimed three wickets apiece with figures of 3 for 22 and 3 for 35 respectively.