5 biggest margins of victory in ODI cricket

#1 290 runs – New Zealand vs Ireland

McCullum dismantled the Irish bowling attack

Scotland hosted a three-nation tournament featuring Ireland and New Zealand. The first match of the series was between New Zealand and Ireland at Aberdeen. Ireland won the toss and opted to field first.

New Zealand got off to a flying start as openers James Marshall and Brendon McCullum smashed the Irish bowlers to all parts of the ground. McCullum went on score his maiden ODI century and the duo added 274 for the first wicket, New Zealand’s highest partnership in ODI history, bettering the 204-run stand between Stephen Fleming and Lou Vincent against Zimbabwe at Bulawayo in 2005.

McCullum was eventually dismissed for a career-best ODI score of 166 from just 135 deliveries. Baz’s dismissal turned out to be Ireland’s curse as Ross Taylor and Marshall went hammer and tongs at the bowling, elevating the run-rate in the process. The duo added 114 from just 43 deliveries before Marshall was dismissed for a monumental 161.

Taylor reached his fifty and New Zealand ended their innings on 402/2 in 50 overs. In reply, Ireland were bowled out for 112 with Michael Mason and Tim Southee picking up three wickets apiece. New Zealand thus recorded a 290-run victory, bettering India’s then 257-run record set at the 2007 World Cup for the highest margin of victory in an ODI.