Daniel Vettori's masterclass helps New Zealand beat Afghanistan

Daniel Vettori's impressive bowling display, which yielded four wickets, helped New Zealand beat Afghanistan by six wickets in their World Cup 2015 Group A match played in Napier on Sunday.

Afghanistan's captain Mohammad Nabi won the toss and elected to bat first, but his side failed to do justice to his decision.

Vettori was in amongst the wickets early and dismissed opener Usman Ghani in the third over of the match, just an over after Trent Boult had dismissed Javed Ahmadi.

The double-blow had pegged Afghanistan on the back foot against a New Zealand attack full of confidence. Vettori then added to his tally and accounted for Nawroz Mangal in the 16th over of the match.

He then wrecked Afghanistan's middle-order and dismissed captain Nabi and Afzar Zazai off consecutive deliveries in the 19th over.

Vettori's spell left Afghanistan in tatters at 59 for six in 20 overs. Samiullah Shenwari and Najibullah Zadran restored some order and scored fifties to take their side to a respectable total of 186.

New Zealand's batsmen refused to hand Afghanistan the advantage early on and Brendon McCullum and Martin Guptill added 53 runs for the first wicket.

The hosts managed 89 in the first 15 overs and Guptill and Kane Williamson took them closer to the target. Ross Taylor and Corey Anderson eventually took them home in the 37th over.

"[The pitch was] probably a touch slower today, and once we got a good start from the fast bowlers I could back it up. A little bit more worn than usual, usually it's more pristine. Pretty used to bowling early on, you play so much T20 cricket, and sometimes the newer ball skids on. It's a lot of fun, playing the World Cup at home, an experience none of us will forget. So far so good," Vettori, the Man of the Match, said.