After a first-up Twenty20 World Cup defeat to Pakistan, the Blackcaps are now effectively in must-win territory when they line up against India on Monday morning (NZ time).
Currently sitting fourth in group two, the Blackcaps could be forced to win all four of their remaining matches if they're to have a hope of reaching the tournament semi-finals, with the top two teams in each group advancing.
Pakistan's record of three wins from their first three games will almost certainly see them advance as either the first or second from the group, leaving one of the Blackcaps or India on the plane home early.
But after the nature of their first defeat, losing to Pakistan by five wickets in Sharjah, the Blackcaps are confident that they can rectify their mistakes in time for the Dubai meeting against India.
"I think there's a lot of [lessons] to take from the first game," bowler Tim Southee says.
"We weren't far off against a quality Pakistan side, but we've got to park that and look forward. It's such a short tournament and there's no easy games.
"It's about focus shifting forward to India on Monday."
If there's any solace to take for the Blackcaps though, it's that India are in the exact same boat.
Entering the UAE as the pre-tournament favourites, Virat Kohli's India were stunned in their opening match, as Pakistan inflicted a 10-wicket defeat in both teams' opening game.
That defeat will only spur India on though, with Southee and the Blackcaps anticipating another thrilling clash against Kohli and his charges.
"They're a quality side, they've shown that for many years," Southee adds.
"For them as well, coming off a loss, they'll be wanting to win as well.
"It should be a great contest against two very good sides."
India have the better recent record over the Blackcaps in Twenty20 cricket, winning 5-0 in the two sides' last series - all the way back at the start of 2020.
Join Newshub for live updates of the Blackcaps v India from 3am Monday.
