With the hard work behind them, the Blackcaps must now adapt to a rapid-fire succession of four games in eight days to clinch their spot in the Twenty20 World Cup semi-finals next week.
Victory over India on Monday (NZ time) has put New Zealand in the boxseat to progress from Group Two into the final four, with just qualifiers Scotland and Namibia, and seventh-ranked Afghanistan to come.
They face the Scots on Wednesday, with the Africans looming on Friday and the Afghans Monday.
But bowling coach Shane Jurgensen admits his side must now stay on their toes to finish the job without hitch.
"They're short, sharp recoveries, so for us, it's about making sure we're focused on the little things we do well as a team and with our scouting of opposition, making sure we're as clear as we can, because we have quite a few teams in the next five days."
Scotland currently sit at the foot of the group, with opening losses to Afghanistan and Namibia, and little likelihood of changing their fortunes against three of the top four T20 powers in the world.
But the Blackcaps know any slip up now could still derail their quest for a third world cricket final in as many years.
"Scotland are a very good team, particularly in this format," says Jurgensen. "They have some players that can be particularly dangerous and that's what T20 brings - one over, three balls can change a game.
"We've got to be ready for them - they have some dangerous batters, and bowlers that are really smart and clever with their change-ups."
After beating New Zealand in their tournament opener, Pakistan have become the first team to clinch a semi-final berth from the group, with victory over Namibia.
In the other pool, England are also unbeaten from four games, with Australia and South Africa still contesting the other spot
Join us at 11pm Wednesday for live updates of the Blackcaps v Scotland T20 World Cup clash
