Wednesday's rain-affected one-day international in Queenstown saw Corey Anderson and Jesse Ryder bludgeon centuries at a blistering pace as Anderson made the fastest on record in 36 balls, while Ryder's seemed nearly pedestrian as he needed 46 deliveries.
Their rapid 191-run partnership meant New Zealand were never in doubt of winning the 21-over affair, which they eventually did by 159 runs, as they levelled the five-match series at 1-1.
After a washout in Napier last Sunday, New Zealand could ensure they can't lose the series with victory today as Nelson's Saxton Oval hosts its first men's one-day international.
Anderson has gone from promising youngster to an overnight celebrity in the cricketing world following his unbeaten knock of 131, which included 14 sixes, but he didn't forecast a repeat performance today.
"It was one innings and one innings doesn't make a summer," Anderson said. "I've still got to come out and do what I can to stay in the side and try and contribute to victories."
After his efforts on Wednesday it's fair to say his spot in the side is secure for the foreseeable future and that must be a good feeling for a player who has endured his fair share of injuries in his career despite only being 23.
"I feel pretty good," Anderson said in regards to his health. "I've had a run where I've stayed away from niggles and that. It's a sport and you're always going to get injured at some stage but the longer I can stay on the park, I guess the better performances I can put in."
While Anderson may not be forecasting another booming century, one forecast that may have both sides concerned is the rain, which is predicted to greet the teams in Nelson.
Ryder, who finished with 104 from 51 balls on Wednesday and even wheeled down four economical overs of off-spin as opposed to his usual medium-pacers, was keen to see some sun.
"Hopefully the weather stays away so we can get a proper game in but if the weather plays its part, it plays its part. There's not much you can do about it," he said.
As for his off-spinners, which he bowled because New Zealand needed to power through their overs to beat the rain in Queenstown, the 29-year-old said the call to do it took him by surprise.
"I wasn't expecting to have to bowl spin."
After losing the opening game of the series in Auckland on Boxing Day, New Zealand clearly have momentum on their side following their impressive performances in the test series before Christmas.
Their batting line-up is looking balanced and with seamer Mitchell McClenaghan in search of another eight wickets in the next two games to become the fastest man to 50 in one-day internationals, the Black Caps will open as firm favourites today.
They will just be hoping the summer weather finally joins them.
Following today's game the series moves to Hamilton for the fifth and final encounter on Wednesday.
- By Daniel Richardson of APNZ
