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Mitchell Marsh played a captain’s knock with a stunning maiden T20I century, guiding Australia to a three-wicket win over New Zealand in Mount Maunganui on Saturday. The victory sealed a 2-0 series triumph for the visitors.
Chasing 157, Australia were cruising at 62 for 1 before James Neesham turned the game around with a fiery spell, grabbing four quick wickets. The pressure mounted, but Marsh stood tall, smashing 103* off 52 balls — his first century in the format — and becoming one of the few players to score hundreds in all three formats of international cricket. Sean Abbott (13*) gave him valuable support in the tense finish.
Earlier, New Zealand posted 156 for 9, with Tim Seifert top-scoring with 48. Australia’s pace trio of Josh Hazlewood (2-26), Xavier Bartlett (2-25), and Abbott (3-25) were outstanding, while Marcus Stoinis struck with his very first ball to remove Daryl Mitchell.
Hazlewood’s fiery new-ball spell, which included two early breakthroughs, set the tone for Australia. Tim David also took a stunning catch running back at mid-on, helping restrict New Zealand’s momentum. Despite Neesham’s late counterattack with bat and ball, Marsh’s power-hitting proved decisive.
This short Chappell-Hadlee series, squeezed into just four days, saw the second match largely washed out. Australia will now return home to face India in ODIs and T20Is before the Ashes, while New Zealand prepare for their upcoming white-ball series against England.
