New Zealand A have suffered a thumping defeat by Ireland in the third game of their four-game programme in the United Arab Emirates.
Having recorded comfortable wins over the UAE and Afghanistan, NZ A, preparing for an ODI series against Pakistan and aiming to seal World Cup selection, were beaten by six wickets in Dubai.
Openers Martin Guptill and Anton Devcich shared a 102-run first wicket stand in 19 overs, and lefthander Colin Munro added a run-a-ball 50 as New Zealand reached 252 in 49.1 overs.
However Andrew Balbirnie, with a maiden 50-over century for Ireland, and Niall O'Brien took the New Zealand attack apart.
They added 133 in 17.1 overs for the second wicket to set up a four-wicket win with six overs to spare, Ireland finishing on 253 for six.
