The hosts took a 325-run lead at the end of the fourth day's play at Basin Reserve, with skipper Brendon McCullum scoring an unbeaten 281. But Dhawan chose to stay positive after what was a throughly disappointing day for Indian bowlers.
"There is still one more day left tomorrow. We will try our best to win but even if we lose, there's a lot to learn from it. There is disappointment but we have played some good cricket, especially getting them out for a low score in the first innings," Dhawan said after the day's play.
McCullum was involved in a world record stand of 352 runs for the sixth wicket with keeper-batsman BJ Watling (124). The duo thwarted Indian hopes of victory on the third or fourth day, after the hosts were reduced to 94/5 at one stage.
"The wicket has improved a lot. It has gotten slower as the game has gone on. McCullum and Watling batted beautifully of course. They respected the good balls and didn't give us any chances the whole day. They batted very well," Dhawan said, praising the batsmen.