Black Caps skipper Brendon McCullum says it's as important to maintain momentum leading into next month's cricket World Cup as it is to keep players fresh and match-fit through squad rotation.
With the seven-match ODI series against Sri Lanka tied at 1-1, Saturday's third match in Auckland offers another chance for the New Zealanders to tweak their squad and look to regain some initiative.
After a three-wicket win in the first ODI at Hagley Oval in Christchurch, the Black Caps fell to a six-wicket defeat in Hamilton on Thursday.
New Zealand were without prolific runscorer Kane Williamson, recovering from a shoulder injury, and allrounder Grant Elliott, absent for family reasons.
Veteran spinner Daniel Vettori and youngster Matt Henry were added to the playing XI in a match notable for the hesitancy and confusion which led to four middle-order run-outs.
Elliott's availability for the third ODI is still in question, but it seems likely seamer Tim Southee will be called up for his first match of the series.
Pace bowler Mitchell McClenaghan is also set to return after missing match two, looking to back up his 4-36 from the opening ODI.
McCullum, who anchored New Zealand's 248 all out in Hamilton with 117 from 99 balls, says winning is still key for the Black Caps if they wanted to be a "realistic shot" at the World Cup.
"There's an element of rotation, but you're still trying to win every game.
"I've spoken at length about how you've still got to build momentum through this period," he said.
"You can't just be dropping guys in and dropping guys out all the time, you've got to have some sort of understanding of how to prepare your entire squad for a major tournament."
McClenaghan's stand-down for the Hamilton ODI was important, given the short turn-around between games, McCullum said.
"We just feel a guy like Mitch, to be able to back up three times in a week can be quite difficult for a guy who plays such an aggressive role."
He says the strength of the Black Caps squad means the match-day team loses little no matter who is selected in the playing XI.
"I believe every one of the guys within the squad is worthy of international cricket, so it's not like rest and rotation will reduce our team on the park."
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