Australia have claimed a whitewash in their three-match T20 series against New Zealand with a 27-run victory via the DLS Method at Eden Park.
The Aussies battled to 4-118 during a frustrating, rain-affected day in New Zealand before the Kiwis were set a revised total of 126 for victory inside 10 overs, which they failed to reel in as they slumped to 3-98.
New Zealand vs. Australia 3rd T20 result as Aussies complete series whitewash
David Warner was ruled out of the dead rubber against the Black Caps, but the veteran’s absence did nothing to quell the visitor’s aggressiveness at the crease as they lost the toss and were sent in to bat.
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Steve Smith, who some felt was batting to cement a place in the side’s T20 World Cup squad, came out with plenty of intent.
But he lasted just three deliveries before edging an Adam Milne ball behind to depart for just four runs and leave his selection for the upcoming tournament up in the air.
It was the second time in a row Kiwi captain Mitchell Santner has won the toss and elected to bowl and after dismissing the Aussies for 174 in the second match, they appeared on top early.
Yet their failure to hold onto chances in the field ruined their early momentum as first Travis Head and then Glenn Maxwell was dropped.
Head was given two lives during his innings but failed to really capitalise despite top scoring for his side with 33 off 30 balls.
Maxwell was dismissed for 20, while Matthew Short played an entertaining cameo with a rapid-fire 27 off just 11 deliveries before he was caught behind by Tim Seifert.
Josh Inglis and Tim David were left stranded not out in the middle as the poor weather conditions forced the umpires to cut short Australia's innings and set the home side a revised total.
After Australia skittled New Zealand for 102 in the second match of the series, it was imperative the Kiwis got themselves off to a great start.
Yet these hopes were quickly eliminated at Eden Park as openers Finn Allen (13 off 9 balls) and Will Young (14 off 7 balls) departed cheaply.
The run chase quickly crumbling as their required rate skyrocketed into the 20s with the Kiwi batsman unable to cut loose against a disciplined bowling attack.
When Spencer Johnson rattled through Seifert, the writing was already well and truly on the wall, however Glenn Phillips kept on battling until the end with an unbeaten 40 in a losing cause.
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"The first one was a close one and we kind of got outplayed in the last two," Santner admitted post-match in Auckland.
"We showed some good stuff throughout the series but the powerplay is hard to bowl here. Dropped catches never help.
"Some good stuff and bad stuff; that's cricket."
Meanwhile, Aussie counterpart Matthew Wade paid tribute to a host of young stars who had shown their quality in the series.
"It was one of the most clinical performances and Short is exciting for the future," Wade said.
"Everyone knows the World Cup is coming in and we had a look at the guys - Short, Nathan Ellis - and picking that 15 for the World Cup."
The game was interrupted three times during Australia's innings and Wade noted how despite this making it difficult for the batters, he was pleased with how they went about their job on a ground with short boundaries.
"Strange game with rain on and off," Wade said.
"Trying to make use of the shorter boundaries here. No matter where it is, it is such a strong squad and unreal to be with the boys here.
"Nice as a batter but nervous when we bowled."
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Mitch Marsh continued his dream run with the skipper claiming Player of the Series honours just a few weeks after he was awarded the Allan Border Medal.
"Any series win for your country is fantastic," Marsh said post-match.
"I'm proud and it's a big year leading into the World Cup.
"Nice to contribute to a winning team and that's what we ask for our guys. To win 3-0 is fantastic for our bowlers.
"It's not added pressure," Marsh added after being appointed as skipper of the T20 series. "It's added responsibility. The other leaders in the group make my job easy and it's a great bunch."