New Zealand among favourites for semi-final berth after thumping Sri Lanka

New Zealand are evens to make the semi-finals of the World Cup after crushing Sri Lanka in their tournament opener in Cardiff.

The Black Caps are 10-1 to lift the trophy following their ten-wicket triumph at Sophia Gardens.

Sri Lanka, 200-1 to win the World Cup in places, were a wicket down only two balls into their innings when Matthew Henry dislodged Lahiru Thirimanne.

Henry had a hat-trick chance within the first ten overs after dismissing Kusal Perera and Kusal Mendis in quick succession and the paceman finished with figures of 3-29.

Lockie Ferguson claimed three scalps as the Lankans crumbled at the crease with opener Dimuth Karunaratne, who hit an unbeaten 52, the only player to show any resistance.

New Zealand met the target of 137 without breaking a sweat as openers Martin Guptill, 22-1 to finish as the top World Cup batsman, and Colin Munro registered 73 and 58 respectively.

Sri Lanka must now prepare to face Afghanistan in Cardiff on Tuesday while the Kiwis travel to the Oval to face Bangladesh a day later.

New Zealand's 2015 World Cup final opponents Australia also opened their account with a win, beating minnows Afghanistan by seven wickets.

A year since the controversial ball-tampering scandal, David Warner returned to the ODI fold with an unbeaten 89 for the Aussies.

Aaron Finch scored 66, while Pat Cummins and Adam Zampa each took three wickets.

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