Marsh hits maiden T20I ton as Australia seal 2-0 series in NZ

Australia sealed the three-match T20 international series in New Zealand on Saturday when captain Mitchell Marsh smashed a maiden T20I century to steer his side to a three-wicket victory over the Black Caps at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui. The result completed a 2-0 series win for the tourists after Friday’s second match was abandoned because of persistent rain.

Put into bat in the decider, New Zealand posted 156 for 9 in 20 overs, Tim Seifert top-scoring with 48 off 35. Allrounder Jimmy Neesham provided late resistance with 25 and then turned the game with the ball, claiming four wickets while Jacob Duffy also chipped in for the hosts. Sean Abbott finished with figures of 3 for 25 for Australia, and Xavier Bartlett took two wickets as the visitors restricted the home side to a modest total.

Australia’s chase was rocky early as five of the top six batters fell cheaply, but Marsh anchored the innings. He finished unbeaten on 103 off 52 balls, hitting eight fours and seven sixes, and carried Australia to 160 for 7 with two overs to spare. Marsh’s innings was praised by both sides after the match. "It was a little bit of pressure in the end but it is obviously great to win an away...