The White Ferns went at an astonishing 9.8 runs per over across their 50 overs, with captain Suzie Bates hitting 151 from 94 balls at the top of the order, including 24 fours and two sixes.

Her opening partner Jess Watkin made 62 from 59, her wicket falling with the score on 172 in the 19th over.

25-year-old No.3 Maddy Green almost matched Bates’ rate of scoring, hitting 121 off 77 balls.

Amy Satterthwaite, who replaced Bates at the end of the 30th over, will feel she missed out after registering just 21 off 18 balls but 17-year-old Amelia Kerr got in on the act with a 45-ball 81*, while wicketkeeper Bernadine Bezuidenhout finished unbeaten on 23.

On a punishing day for Ireland’s young side, 17-year-old Cara Murray – who’d played just one T20I before this match – fared worst, her two wickets costing 119 runs from her 10 overs.

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Ireland’s effort was dealt a severe blow when their most experienced bowler, the left-arm spinner Isobel Joyce (34, sister of Ed) had to be removed from the attack after just one over after letting slip two beamers.

There are two games left in the three-match series.