With Australia staring down the barrel of a series-opening Chappell-Hadlee defeat at 38/4, the Blackcaps made the brave call to store away spearhead fast bowler Trent Boult.
NZ captain Kane Williamson pulled his chief operator, who had taken 3/12 off his first five overs, leaving the hosts in all sorts of trouble in their run-chase of 232.
Bout only returned in the 28th over and by then, Australia's Alex Carey and Cameron Green had put on almost 100 runs for the sixth wicket - ultimately, a winning partnership.
Boult admits he isn't sure why he wasn't allowed an extended spell, but suggested Australia's deep batting order as a potential reason, with the likes of hard-hitting Glen Maxwell lurking at eight.
"I thought of having six, maybe seven and eight," he said. "I'm not too sure of what the thinking was there, but they batted a long way down.
"I think Maxwell at eight is a naughty batting order, and we knew that they bat deep and could take that game deep, so I presume that was the thinking there.
"Credit to the way they stuck in there and got the game done. I thought it was an exciting start to the series and with a quick turnaround, we'll go again."
Green carried Australia over the line, finishing unbeaten on 89, as the hosts claimed honours in the first game with a two-wicket victory.
Boult credits the Aussies for sticking it out, but relishes his opportunities in international cricket, after his recent decision to step away from his national contract with NZ Cricket.
"I thought the way we bowled and put a bit of pressure on there, we were always looking for early wickets.
"I thought they batted really well. They put on 150 together and got themselves in a good position, and it was a good game, but disappointed to be on the wrong side of it.
"I love one-day cricket, I really enjoy the challenge that it brings. I love it when the ball is swinging around like that, and you can get into the battle a bit and express your skills.
"I've made a few decisions over the last couple of weeks, and I'm pretty happy with the sacrifices I'm making and getting to spend more time with my kids.
"There's definitely still a big drive to contribute to the one-day side and push forward to that World Cup in about 14 months' time."
New Zealand won't have to wait long to bounce back, with the second game of the Chappell-Hadlee series on Thursday at Cairns.
