Mitch Marsh scores century to inspire Australia to victory in third T20 against New Zealand

Despite a herculean effort from NZ all-rounder Jimmy Neesham, the hosts were unable to stop the Aussie skipper, who plundered an unbeaten 103 from 52 balls to clinch a three-wicket win with two overs to spare as Australia chased 157.

It was Marsh’s maiden international century in T20 internationals, meaning he joined Shane Watson, David Warner, Glenn Maxwell and Josh Inglis as the Australian men to have scored tons in all three international formats.

The next highest score in the innings was 14 from Mitch Owen, batting at No. 7.

Marsh had already been named player of the match three days earlier for his innings of 85 off 43 balls.

Having already retained the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy by dint of Friday night’s washout, Saturday night’s result clinched a 2-0 series victory.

Marsh was at his destructive best at the top of the order, bludgeoning four fours and three sixes in the power play. One of those sixes over extra cover was straight down the throat of a man in the crowd, who was unable to take it with a clean pair of hands, in turn copping a nasty blow to the face.

The twist came when NZ veteran Jimmy Neesham took 4-11 from his first three overs to halt Australia’s progress, with Matt Short and Alex Carey missing chances to stake claims for spots in the Aussie squad at the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka beginning in February.

Both Short and Carey fell to terrific catches from Mark Chapman.

It meant Marsh effectively went it alone, getting enough late help from Sean Abbott to secure safe passage.

Having sent the Black Caps in, the tourists again reaped rewards from the power play work of Josh Hazlewood, who removed Devon Conway for a duck and Tim Robinson - who posted a century in the series opener - for 13.

The Robinson wicket came via a DRS overturn for caught behind, but it was a mixed bag for the Aussies on the technology front.

Australia burnt their available reviews, including a bizarre attempt to reverse a turned down lbw shout off the bowling of Abbott that was clearly sliding down the leg side.

That proved costly when Neesham was granted a life on 20 despite being trapped plumb, with the Australians unable to overturn an on-field error.

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Ultimately though regular breakthroughs ensured NZ mustered only 9-156 from their rain-interrupted 20 overs. Abbott took 3-25 from his four overs with all five Aussie bowlers employed taking at least one scalp.

Only Tim Seifert (48) reached 30 for the home side.

Tim David provided the individual highlight of the night with an excellent catch running back with the flight of the ball to send Chapman on his way for four.