PROVIDENCE (Guyana), April 9: Peter Fulton roared back into form with a responsible half-century as New Zealand posted a challenging 263-8 against debutants Ireland in the World Cup Super Eights match here on Monday.

The New Zealand opener made a brilliantly-paced 83 on a slow pitch, just when his team-mates had been struggling for runs against Ireland's disciplined seam-spin combination.

Fulton had made only 62 in his last three matches before regaining form with his sixth half-century which contained nine fours.

He did well to keep his end intact for a long time when wickets were falling at regular intervals from the other. He put on 54 for the fifth wicket with Jacob Oram, the second-highest stand of the innings.

It was only a late flourish by wicket-keeper Brendon McCullum (47) and James Franklin (34 not out) that helped New Zealand reach a respectable total, with the last three overs yielding 45 runs.

The pair put on 71 for the eighth wicket, with McCullum hitting a six in the last over that smashed a window-pane in one of the boxes. Franklin struck one six and three fours in his 22-ball knock.