Captain Mitchell Marsh produced a career-defining performance, smashing his maiden T20I century to guide Australia to a thrilling three-wicket win over New Zealand in the final match at Bay Oval. His unbeaten 103 off 52 balls ensured a 2-0 series win for the visitors and secured the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy.
Masterclass Under Pressure
Chasing 157, Marsh anchored Australia’s innings with a perfect mix of power and composure. Despite wickets tumbling around him, the 33-year-old remained unfazed, striking eight fours and seven sixes to take his team over the line with two overs to spare. His century — the first of his T20I career — came off the first ball of the 18th over, capping off a stunning knock in his 76th match.
Jimmy Neesham threatened to swing the momentum New Zealand’s way with an impressive spell of 4-26, reducing Australia to 93-5. However, Marsh steadied the chase with crucial partnerships alongside Mitchell Owen (14) and Sean Abbott (13*), the only other batters to reach double figures.
“There was a bit of pressure there at the end but it’s obviously great to win an away series in New Zealand,” Marsh said after the match. “When you’re going like that, it’s just important that you keep going. It was probably a little bit closer than we would have liked, but we got there.”
New Zealand Fall Short Despite Fight
Earlier, Tim Seifert top-scored for the hosts with a brisk 48 off 35 balls, while late cameos from skipper Michael Bracewell (26) and Neesham (25) pushed New Zealand to 156-9. Sean Abbott starred with the ball for Australia, finishing with figures of 3-25.
Bracewell praised Marsh’s match-winning knock: “We threw everything we could at him, we used all of our resources, and sometimes you have to tip your hat to him.”
Series Dominance Led by Marsh
Australia’s dominance in the series was built around Marsh’s brilliance. He top-scored with 85 in the opening T20I — another six-wicket win — while the second match was washed out due to rain. Marsh’s sensational century in the decider not only sealed the series but also marked a new chapter in his T20I career.
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