New Zealand defeated Afghanistan by six wickets in their Pool A clash in the World Cup thanks to an impressive spell of bowling by Daniel Vettori.

The minnows were restricted to a modest total of 186 in their innings as Vettori held them in check with a fine display, taking 4-18 in his 10 overs to enable his side to chase down with relative ease.

The Kiwis started their run chase at a blistering pace as Brendon McCullum blasted several boundaries in the opening overs as they raced past the 50-run mark by the sixth.

However, the Black Caps skipper was to fall for 42 off just 19 deliveries, bowled by Mohammad Nabi, after an innings which included six fours and one six and put his side well on their way to victory.

Martin Guptill and Kane Williamson were allowed to play themselves in due to the brisk start and both players were able to pick up runs with relative ease without taking risks.

The duo reached their 50 partnership off 70 balls, but Williamson was to fall for 33 when he was caught by Samiullah Shenwari off the bowling of Shapoor Zadran.

Guptill remained composed at the crease and he notched a comfortable half-century as he and Ross Taylor kept edging the Kiwis closer to their victory target.

Confusion between the pair cost Guptill his wicket as was run out for 57 by Nawroz Manga, and there was a further mix-up to come as Grant Elliott was run out for 19.

Taylor and Corey Anderson eventually got New Zealand over the line as Anderson hit the winning runs with 83 balls to spare as the Kiwis maintained their 100% record in the tournament.