New Zealand kept their Cricket World Cup win streak alive with victory against Afghanistan ©Getty Images

New Zealand strolled to pole position in the International Cricket Council Men’s Cricket World Cup group stage as they thrashed Afghanistan in Chennai.

The Black Caps' fourth win in as many matches came from a 149-run dismantling of Afghanistan who had beaten defending champions England just three days prior.

New Zealand suffered a scare when they went from 109-1 to 110-4 but a stand of 144 between Glenn Phillips, with 71, and captain Tom Latham on 68 revived them at the Chepauk Stadium.

Eventually, both of them were dismissed by Naveen-ul-Haq in the 48th over before Mark Chapman's 12-ball 25 pushed New Zealand to 288-9.

Afghanistan were then skittled for 139 with the bat as New Zealand's bowling attack put in a ferocious display.

Huge blows were dealt early on as Trent Boult and Matt Henry got rid of the openers before a stunning Mitchell Santner catch removed captain Hashmatullah Shahidi at 43-3.

The winning margin significantly bumped up New Zealand's net runs-rate to see them leapfrog India into first place.

However, the hosts are expected retake their position after tomorrow's match against Bangladesh.

"Our top order has done really well over the last couple of games, so to be tested in the middle is really good," said player of the match Glenn Phillips.

Afghanistan were hampered by a litany of fielding errors as they were beaten by New Zealand in Chennai ©Getty Images
Afghanistan were hampered by a litany of fielding errors as they were beaten by New Zealand in Chennai ©Getty Images

"We've got such a team-first mentality, everyone's working for each other and thinking how can we make the best of the moments we're in.

"Understanding we've all got experience in different areas of the world, understanding what I can do for my mates and what he can do for me, just keep trusting each other."

Afghanistan were left kicking themselves after a series of calamitous fielding errors.

They dropped five straightforward catches, including on opener Will Young who scored 54 runs, as well as missing a stumping.

"Really disappointed because at this level you have to take those kind of catches," said Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi.

"That hurt us, the team was doing good but because of that we feel a little bit down. 

"Tonight will hurt us, but we still have more games to come.

"Next one is Pakistan, and we will talk about how we can improve and how we come back stronger."

The tournament is set to continue tomorrow as hosts India play in Pune for the first time in the competition against Bangladesh at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium.