LIVE: New Zealand v Sri Lanka ODI

Daniel Vettori says it's important for New Zealand to keep their standards high when they revert to one-day cricket against Sri Lanka.

Fresh from a 2-0 Test series victory over Sri Lanka, the Black Caps begin their final lead-ups to the Cricket World Cup, which starts in February, when they play the same opponents at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Sunday.

Veteran spinner Vettori, fresh from a stint with the Brisbane Heat in the KFC T20 Big Bash League, has played in a number of World Cups and says the best buildup comes from winning games.

"Everyone's starting to talk about the New Zealand team and if we can put up a winning series here, and a dominant series, that will only bode well for the World Cup," he said.

"It's something the guys really want to focus on; rather than stumbling into the World Cup like we've probably done in the past, we want to go in with all our bases covered and everyone firing."

The World Cup is a big talking point but all one-day internationals are still very important games, he said.

The former captain has missed a lot of cricket in recent years after a demoralising achilles injury but he said he's fit and wants to fit in each time he takes the field.

Vettori, who didn't play in the Test series, said he's part of a good, solid squad.

"You can't underestimate how well the guys played in the Test and the confidence rubs off even on the likes of myself."

The Black Caps have seven one-dayers against Sri Lanka, and two against Pakistan, before the Black Caps return to Hagley Oval to open their Cup campaign against Sri Lanka on February 14.

Coach Mike Hesson is resting key players Ross Taylor and Tim Southee at the start of the one-day series series.