Mount Maunganui, Oct 1 (NationPress) Captain Mitchell Marsh delivered a stunning power-hitting performance, leading Australia to a decisive win in the first match of the Chappell-Hadlee T20I series in Mount Maunganui, overshadowing an impressive maiden T20I century by Tim Robinson from New Zealand.

After winning the toss but opting to bowl first—despite never having batted first in a T20I when winning the toss—Marsh's decision led to a disastrous beginning for New Zealand. They quickly found themselves at 6 for 3 in the second over, with Josh Hazlewood making an early impact and Ben Dwarshuis nearly achieving a hat-trick by dismissing Devon Conway and Mark Chapman.

However, Robinson showcased remarkable resilience. After a slow start, he hit a flat six off Marcus Stoinis and another powerful strike against Xavier Bartlett to reach his fifty off just 31 balls. His partnership of 92 runs off 55 deliveries with Daryl Mitchell helped stabilize the innings. Despite being dropped five times—at 55, 62, 74, 76, and later during a stumping opportunity—Robinson continued to push forward, securing his T20I century in 65 balls. He ended with a score of 106 not out, concluding his innings with a flick to fine leg followed by a six over the leg side. Unfortunately for New Zealand, they lost steam in the latter overs, particularly against Adam Zampa, who, despite battling cold, windy conditions and Raynaud’s syndrome, gave away only nine runs in his last two overs, keeping New Zealand to 181 for 6.

Robinson's efforts were somewhat diminished by Bevon Jacobs, who struggled with 20 off 21 balls before being spectacularly run out in a relay involving Stoinis, Head, and Carey.

Australia's chase was assertive, with Marsh and Travis Head accumulating 67 runs in just 5.3 overs, including 12 boundaries in the powerplay. Marsh's commanding drives and sixes allowed him to reach a quick fifty in 23 balls. He amassed 85 runs from 43 balls, hitting nine fours and five sixes before falling just short of a century.

Head contributed 31 off 18 balls before succumbing to Kyle Jamieson, while Matt Short added another 29 off 18 in his return. Tim David wrapped up the game as Australia triumphed with 19 balls remaining.

This match marked only the second occasion a chasing team has won a T20I at Bay Oval. Despite the absence of Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green, and Josh Inglis, Marsh's squad demonstrated their depth and strength.

Brief scores: New Zealand 181 for 6 in 20 overs (Tim Robinson 106 not out, Daryl Mitchell 34; Ben Dwarshuis 2/40, Josh Hazlewood 1/23) lost to Australia 185/4 in 16.3 overs (Mitchell Marsh 85, Travis Head 31; Matt Henry 2/43) by six wickets.