Cricket: Ed Joyce was again on form for England with the bat but was powerless to stop New Zealand completing a comfortable 58-run win, all but ending the tourists chances of a place in the tri-series finals.
The Dubliner opened the batting for England and top-scored with 66, but with his side chasing a total of 318 it was never going to be enough.
Lou Vincent, Ross Taylor and Jacob Oram blasted half-centuries to help New Zealand post a record total on a perfect batting pitch at the WACA in Perth.
England could manage only 260 for eight in reply after their middle-order collapsed again. They need to win their final two matches against Australia and the New Zealand to have any hope of making the playoffs and salvaging some pride from a desperately disappointing tour.
New Zealand were always in control after Vincent made 76, Taylor 71 and Oram 54 not out to help the Kiwis pile up a record score against England, eclipsing their 298 for six at Leeds in 1990.
England were in trouble early after Mal Loye departed for 15 and, although Joyce and Bell added 72 for the second wicket, they were always behind the required run-rate.
Joyce completed his maiden one-day international 50 but when he was run out by a direct hit from Vincent, England's chances went with him.
He admitted afterwards it has been difficult to come into a team struggling to find any form in the one-dayers.
"I've never experienced it before," he said. "I suppose it is a bit difficult. You have just got to keep showing your character and hoping that things will turn around.
"Eventually it will. There are a lot of good players there; we are led very well, and the players just have to do it really."
England's next game is against Australia in Sydney on Friday and New Zealand's is against Australia in Melbourne on Sunday.