Compounding that, Sri Lankan batsmen Tillakaratne Dilshan and Kumar Sangakkara led the way in attacking his bowling on Thursday, taking 52 runs from eight overs.
That was the first time in 44 ODIs that Vettori had gone at more than a run a ball, stretching back to March 2009 against India.
Consider that in the modern cricketing world of shorter boundaries, meatier bats and the emergence of Twenty20 phenomenon; it's extraordinary.
It's also no coincidence that his worst average against test-playing nations in ODIs is 69.88, against Sri Lanka, New Zealand's opening World Cup opponent.
So Vettori has challenges, but, as someone who has carried the team almost single-handedly at times as captain, he must revel in the current environment as senior pro.
After turning 36 this week he can sit in the dressing room and distribute wisdom to a group with a respect for knowledge and the talent to use it.
That's a welcome intangible during a World Cup.
Anyone can prise apart statistics to create evidence for an argument but if Vettori, with 285 ODIs in his quiver, gives a player a tip to instil previously untapped confidence, the value is hard to quantify.
Paramount is that Vettori has been rejuvenated by the vision of coach Mike Hesson and captain Brendon McCullum.
He has always been loyal to the point of omerta with teammates but the trust and camaraderie generated within the current ranks is rekindling how enjoyable cricket can be.
He's fit and knows with mature players such as McCullum, Ross Taylor, Kane Williamson and Tim Southee in the ranks, he won't be overburdened by responsibility.
The World Cup is his to seize.
