The Black Caps looked certain to scoop the series decider in Auckland as they went into the last four overs of their chase requiring just 17 runs with six wickets in hand, but somehow conspired to lose by three runs.

As the hosts looked for answers to the question of how they could botch a game that appeared to be in the bag, several fans pointed a collective finger at Ryder, who went nine balls without scoring, then fell for 52 on the last ball of the 19th over.

However Franklin, who was unable to take New Zealand home in the last over when they needed just seven runs, insisted Ryder deserved praise rather than criticism.

"He played brilliantly last night," Franklin said.

"It's very much a team game, and there were other guys that came in after that who had the chance to win the game. None of us did that, so to pin it on any individual I think is very much unfair."

The concern for New Zealand as they head into a three-match one-day series starting on Saturday is that such a painful defeat could leave mental scars.

But Franklin insists that a one-off disappointment has not had a huge impact on the side's psyche.

"I think we're fine. There was one instance last night, and I think we're all making a bit of a mountain out of molehill," he said.

"It was disappointing to lose the game, but that's gone and we've got to worry about Saturday now."