NZ vs AUS 3rd T20I Results

10:39 AM IST Right then, that brings us to the end of this entertaining contest, and with it, the series as well. Australia have retained the Chappell-Hadlee trophy with a 2-0 win here. Now, Sir Richard Hadlee hands over the trophy to the Aussie skipper, Mitchell Marsh, who lifts it alongside his teammates before they pose for pictures in front of the ‘Winners’ banner. Up next for New Zealand is a three-match home T20I series against England, starting on 18th October. Australia, meanwhile, will turn their focus to a three-match ODI series at home against India, beginning on 19th October. As always, you can join us early for all the build-up to every match. Until then, it’s goodbye and cheers!

10:36 AM IST Mitchell Marsh, the victorious skipper of Australia, is up for a word again. He says that when you are chasing a target like 160, the aim is always to finish the game quickly. Adds that it feels good to get across the line and wrap up the series win. On the conditions, Marsh explains that with the wicket being under covers for a couple of days, there was some seam movement on offer. Admits that 160 is always a tricky chase if you lose wickets, and that makes him proud of the way his side got the job done. Looking ahead, the skipper notes that every team is building towards the next T20I World Cup, and T20 cricket is never straightforward, but for Australia, one thing they can control is their batting intent. Signs off on a personal note, saying he is looking forward to going home, spending a week with his daughter, and then rejoining the team for the upcoming white-ball series against India.

10:33 AM IST Presentation Time...

10:32 AM IST Michael Bracewell, the captain of New Zealand, says that it was an incredible knock from Marsh and that was the difference between the two sides. Adds that the pitch was under covers for a long time, which did not make batting easy. Says that they thought they got a fighting total on the board, but just had to get Marsh out. Mentions that they need a bit longer series in this format as they are heading in the right direction.

10:32 AM IST New Zealand bowled well but simply didn’t have enough runs to defend. Credit to them, though, for making a contest out of it and pushing Australia, only to be undone by Marsh’s masterclass. James Neesham was outstanding, claiming four wickets in the middle overs to drag the hosts back into the game, while Jacob Duffy chipped in with two. However, Ben Sears had an off day, and a couple of expensive overs from him effectively sealed their fate.

10:31 AM IST Mitchell Marsh is adjudged the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his MAIDEN T20I HUNDRED, and the Australian skipper looks delighted. He is also named the PLAYER OF THE SERIES. He starts by saying it is always nice to win a series, especially in New Zealand, and admits there was pressure towards the end, but the team is happy to get the job done. Speaking about his knock, Marsh admits that he had a bit of luck but stresses that once you get going, the key is to keep going. He mentions that intent is central to the way Australia are trying to play their cricket at the moment, and he was glad to carry that through. Reflecting on the contest, he calls it a pretty scrappy game overall, closer than Australia would have liked, but the important thing for him was that they got over the line and sealed the series win.