New Zealand joined defending champions Australia on eight points in the Super Eights standings, while Ireland are now on the edge of elimination.

Ireland's bowlers troubled the Black Caps as they restricted them to 83 for three and then 189 for seven. But after conceding 59 runs in the last five overs which allowed the Kiwis to finish on 263 for eight, the Irish never realistically expected to win.

"The first half a dozen overs were not up to scratch," Ireland skipper Trent Johnston told reporters.

"Our last half a dozen overs were also below-par and you can't do that at this standard of cricket.

"We fought back really well as our spinners bowled superbly but then in the last half a dozen overs we let it slip again. To chase 260 (sic) on that wicket was always going to be very tough. We always had our backs against the wall.

"I suppose it was our lack of experience but (James) Franklin has a test match hundred and we don't have these types of players. We are learning and we can only try to keep improving."

Brendon McCullum, 47 for 37 balls, and number nine batsman Franklin, 34 not out off 22, took the game away from Ireland.

Ireland were bowled out for 134 and lost their last seven wickets for just 24 runs as they tried desperately to meet the required run rate.

Johnston said they missed injured all-rounder Andre Botha and hoped he would be fit for Friday's match against Australia.

Despite the drubbing, Johnston was happy with his team's achievement.

"I told (Kiwi skipper) Stephen Fleming that if someone had told me before I left Dublin that our worst game was going to be in the Super Eights I would have been pretty happy about that," Johnston said.

"Days like this just make you want to train harder and put in a better performance against Australia."