Mitchell Marsh's scintillating century rescued Australia's batting unit from the blushes during the third T20I against New Zealand on Saturday, October 4, as they maintained the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy for the ninth consecutive time. Marsh won the toss at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui and chose to field first. Josh Hazlewood justified the decision by getting Devon Conway out in the first over. Tim Robinson and Tim Seifert contributed a 34-run partnership off 21 balls before the former was removed by Hazlewood. Mark Chapman and Daryl Mitchell were not able to make double figures, while Seifert was forced to anchor the innings. The latter was also sent back two runs shy of a fifty. Within 13 overs, half the Kiwi side was lost with only 99 runs on the scoreboard. Also Read | No Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for 2027 ODI World Cup? Agarkar Speaks Out Michael Bracewell and James Neesham then scored 26 (22) and 25 (18), respectively, to revive the ship. Their 39-run stand off 25 balls revived hopes for a reasonable first-innings score for New Zealand. Australia though bowled impeccably in the final overs, conceding only 29 runs in the last five. New Zealand closed on 156/9 in their 20 overs. In response, Marsh played flamboyantly while Travis Head was sent back in the fourth over. The Aussie captain batted alone to keep his side in contention, with middle-order batsmen not being able to reach double figures. Mitchell Owen chipped in with a useful 14 from 10 deliveries while New Zealand battled tooth and nail for a series-levelling victory. James Neesham spearheaded the battle for the BlackCaps with an incredible spell. Finally, Sean Abbott, who had taken a three-for with the ball, shared quality company with an unbeaten seven-ball 13 as Marsh led Australia to the victory. Marsh remained not out on 103* off 52 deliveries, striking eight fours and seven sixes. The target was reached by Australia in 18 overs with three wickets in hand. The Aussies won the series 2-0.