Series triumph the only focus for Santner

Mitchell Santner has served up further evidence he's at home in international cricket.

But personal progress isn't a priority right now.

Winning the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy series against Australia is all Santner cares about following New Zealand's four-wicket loss in Wellington on Saturday.

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The hosts' thumping win in the opening game at Auckland is a distant memory after Australia improved considerably in the second one-day international.

The decider is at Santner's domestic home ground of Hamilton on Monday, and the 23-year-old allrounder says the Black Caps won't have time to dwell on their setback.

"I guess it was reasonably close there, but it's such a quick turnaround that we've got to take the learnings out of that game and move on pretty quick and focus on Monday," he said. 

WATCH: Santner discusses Kiwi loss to Australia

It means Santner won't have time to reflect on a notable double act in his 14th ODI.

He raced to 45 not out in an invigorating finish to New Zealand's 9-281 and his figures of 3-47 from 10 overs of left-arm spin were the best by either team.

He prised out openers David Warner (98) and Usman Khawaja (50), along with wicketkeeper Matthew Wade through a spectacular Adam Milne boundary catch. 

WATCH: Milne's stunning catch

Santner hopes to be just as effective at Seddon Park, which he suspects will be similar in nature to the slightly slow Westpac Stadium pitch.

Santner warned they can't just focus on how to counter Warner and Khawaja, saying the likes of Australian skipper Steve Smith, George Bailey and Glenn Maxwell were also a threat.

"They're full of good batters in the Aussie team. They're all class," he said.

"You've got to stick to your plans with guys like (the openers). They hit good balls for four and six, but you've got to stick in there and hope for the best."