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Wellington - New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum recorded the fastest-ever World Cup fifty when he reached the landmark off just 18 balls against England here on Friday.
The opener's whirlwind half-century featured seven fours and four sixes as New Zealand rapidly closed in on victory after skittling England out for just 123.
McCullum beat his own World Cup record when he carved fast bowler Steven Finn for four, having made a fifty off 20 balls against Canada in 2007.
His innings was also the equal third-fastest fifty in all one-day internationals, behind South Africa's AB de Villiers (16 balls) and Sri Lanka's Sanath Jayasuriya (17 balls).
He was eventually dismissed for 77 off 25 balls as the Kiwis went to the dinner break on 112/1 after 9 overs, easing to victory.
Earlier, paceman Tim Southee achieved best career figures of 7-33 as New Zealand bundled England out for 123 in 33.2 overs.
