New Zealand began their World Cup campaign with a 98-run victory over Sri Lanka to move to the top of Pool A.

The Kiwis set a formidable target for Angelo Mathews's side as Brendon McCullum, Kane Williamson and Corey Anderson all notched half-centuries, with Anderson top scoring with an innings of 75 from 46 deliveries to guide his side to 331-6.

Sri Lanka's reply got off to a good start as Tillakaratne Dilshan and Lahiru Thirimanne built a solid foundation with their opening stand in the early overs as Trent Boult struggled to find his length.

The duo reached the 50 partnership in the 11th over, but Dilshan was soon to fall when he was caught and bowled by Daniel Vettori for 24. However, the arrival of Kumar Sangakkara only increased the Lions' run rate.

Thirimanne and Sangakkara found their rhythm while the opener notched his half-century off 45 balls, which included seven boundaries in a brisk knock at the crease.

He and the veteran guided Sri Lanka past the 100-run mark and reached their 50 partnership as they looked on course to give the Kiwis a battle in the opener.

However, when Thirimanne was bowled by Boult for 64 it sparked a collapse as Mahela Jayawardene and Sangakkara soon followed to leave the Lions reeling on 129-4.

Dimuth Karunaratne and Jeevan Mendis struggled in their brief time at the crease as the game began to slip away from Mathews's side, despite the captain's best efforts with an innings of 46.

Mathews's departure to Tim Southee marked the beginning of the end as Lasith Malinga fell for a golden duck.

Suranga Lakmal and Rangana Herath offered some resistance, but Anderson ended the match as Herath was caught by Adam Milne to hand the Kiwis the victory.