Marsh's maiden century powers Aussies to T20 series win over New Zealand

Captain Mitchell Marsh scored a sparkling maiden Twenty20 century to steer Australia to a three-wicket win in the third and final match against New Zealand on Saturday, sealing a 2-0 series victory.

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Opener Marsh completely dominated the run chase, hitting an unbeaten 103 off 52 balls as the tourists reached 160-7 with two overs to spare after New Zealand posted 156-9 at Bay Oval.

The 33-year-old played with a mix of power and patience as wickets fell around him, striking eight fours and seven sixes while defying the cold, damp evening conditions in Mount Maunganui.

Marsh's century was raised from the first ball of the 18th over, reaching three figures for the first time in 76 T20 internationals.

All-rounder Jimmy Neesham (4-26) raised New Zealand's hopes when he took four wickets from his first three overs of seam bowling midway through Australia's chase, reducing them to 93-5.

Marsh adopted a more careful approach over the closing stages, combining cleverly with lower-order pair Mitchell Owen (14) and Sean Abbott (13 not out), who were the only other batsmen to reach double figures.