AUCKLAND: Captain Mitchell Marsh powered Australia to a thrilling three-wicket victory over New Zealand in the third and final T20 International in Mount Maunganui on Saturday, sealing a 2-0 series triumph.
The 33-year-old all-rounder smashed an unbeaten 103 off just 52 balls — his maiden T20 International hundred — laced with seven sixes and nine fours. His explosive innings rescued Australia after a top-order collapse and guided them past the 157-run target with two overs remaining.
Earlier, New Zealand managed 156-9 after being put into bat, with Tim Seifert top-scoring with 48. Josh Hazlewood struck early, while Sean Abbott (3-25) and Xavier Bartlett (2-23) kept the hosts in check.
Chasing, Australia stumbled to 44-5 as Jimmy Neesham (4-26) ripped through the top order. But Marsh held firm, showing remarkable composure and power to see his side home and clinch the Chappell-Hadlee trophy.
“It was a little bit of pressure in the end but it’s obviously great to win an away series in New Zealand,” said Marsh, who was named both Player of the Match and Player of the Tournament.
