Vettori had no choice but to accentuate the positive after being caught up in one of New Zealand's most inept batting performances of his era at the Basin Reserve yesterday afternoon.
The captain joined the list of soft dismissals, nabbed at slip for six as New Zealand plummeted to 99 all out in just 36.5 overs.
That meek collapse ensured Pakistan hold a firm grip on the contest. They resume at 64 for two in their second innings, though after banking a 165-run first innings lead they are effectively 229 for two.
Barring a Pakistani collapse tomorrow, New Zealand seem assured of reeling in a score in excess of 450 if they are to seal the series. The alternative scenario requires them to bat at least five or so sessions to save the test and carry a 1-0 lead to Napier next week.
Given they barely lasted a session yesterday on a wicket that is yet to show signs of wear and tear, the outlook appears bleak.
However, from New Zealand's perspective, the forecast is mildly encouraging with occasional showers predicted tomorrow and on Monday's final day.
Vettori would not publicly declare his reliance on the weather, instead challenging his batsmen to justify the sterling service an under-strength bowling attack has provided.
Iain O'Brien encapsulated the effort of an seam attack that barely had their feet up after dismissing Pakistan for 264.
He removed both openers as the shadows lengthened yesterday, and resumes with two for 16 from six overs. Daryl Tuffey, Chris Martin and Vettori himself are responsible for limiting Pakistan's lead -- an unfair ask considering the batting collective flopped.
Three of the specialists failed to score -- Martin Guptill, Peter Fulton and Brendon McCullum. Indeed, the trio has not recorded a single between them since the first innings in Dunedin.
Vettori, however, said they were capable of making amends.
"The thing about cricket is we do get another opportunity," he said.
"We've got to make sure these guys are confident and whatever total we do have to chase, they're ready for it.
"We all know they're good players, they all have runs at test match level and they're going to get an opportunity on a good deck.
"They've got to believe and we've got to believe in them. That first innings in Dunedin gave us the chance to win the game and hopefully the fourth innings in Wellington will as well."
Pakistan, meanwhile, are obviously content with the way the match is panning out as they seek to rebound from last weekend's 32-run loss at University Oval.
Pace bowler Mohammad Asif, who took four for 40 yesterday, nominated a run chase in the 400-450 range as nigh impregnable.
"I think if we achieve that it's a good total," he said.
Opener Imran Farhat's forecast that 250 would be an adequate first innings score when his side were in trouble at 161 for six at stumps yesterday exceeded expectations.
If Asif is proved accurate the third test at McLean Park starting Friday likely shapes as a decider.
