Australian captain Mitchell Marsh recorded his first Twenty20 international century on Saturday to guide his team to a three-wicket victory over New Zealand at Bay Oval, completing a 2-0 series triumph. The 33-year-old opener remained unbeaten on 103 from 52 deliveries as Australia chased down New Zealand's total of 156-9 with two overs remaining in Mount Maunganui. Marsh struck eight boundaries and seven sixes in his 76th T20 international appearance, reaching the milestone from the opening delivery of the 18th over.
New Zealand allrounder Jimmy Neesham claimed four wickets for 26 runs to reduce Australia to 93-5, but Marsh steadied the chase with support from Mitchell Owen and Sean Abbott. Tim Seifert led New Zealand with 48 runs off 35 balls, but late contributions from Michael Bracewell and Neesham proved insufficient. Australia secured the opening match by six wickets on Wednesday as Marsh scored 85, but rain washed out the second fixture on Friday.
New Zealand allrounder Jimmy Neesham claimed four wickets for 26 runs to reduce Australia to 93-5, but Marsh steadied the chase with support from Mitchell Owen and Sean Abbott. Tim Seifert led New Zealand with 48 runs off 35 balls, but late contributions from Michael Bracewell and Neesham proved insufficient. Australia secured the opening match by six wickets on Wednesday as Marsh scored 85, but rain washed out the second fixture on Friday.
