The New Zealand pace bowler Tim Southee admits they're asking too much of their batters at the moment and that again cost them the Chappell-Hadlee series with a 116 runs loss in Canberra.
After being asked to bat first, David Warner scored a century as Australia made 379.
In reply the Black Caps were bowled out for 262 in the 48th over with Martin Guptil making 45, Kane Williamson 81 and Jimmy Neesham 74.
In the Australian innings Matt Henry went for 90runs off his 10 overs and Trent Boult 80.
Southee, who went for 63, says the bowlers need to lift their game.
Tim Southee makes an unsuccessful appeal against Australia captain Steve Smith. Photo: Photosport
"We're asking too much of our batters at the moment ...and not probably not delivering (our) usual standards with the ball."
Southee said the inability of take wickets throughout the innings was the major issue.
Australia was able "to go hard from about 33, 34 overs..with the luxury of wickets in hand."
Kane Williamson's decision to bowl after winning the toss has been questioned. Photo: Photosport
Black Caps skipper Kane Williamson's decison to send Australia in to bat on a flat and hard Manuka Oval pitch has been questioned.
Australia's total of 378-5 was the second highest ODI total at the ground and the side's biggest 50-over score at home.
"There was a lot of talk around the toss but we thought with the rain around...thought it might have been a little bit tacky at the start and we could have made early inroads (and get them) three or four down, it could have been a different story."
"We need more from the bowlers...(the) batters are going to pull off chases like that every now and then but two games in row is asking a bit too much.
The third and final game is in Melbourne on Friday.
