The victory equation was 62 runs off 84 deliveries at that point, allowing Marsh and John Hastings to power home in an unbeaten 86-run stand.
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Australia has won the 2nd One Day International (ODI) match of five match series against New Zealand after a nail biting contets by 4 wickets and leveled the series 1-1 at Westpac Stadium, Wellington.
But David Warner led the visitors’ response in game two with a knock of 98, while a pressure-laden 69 not out from Marsh ensured Monday’s series finale in Hamilton will be a decider.
At the top of that list was another chaotic collapse, which threatened to result in Australia’s first ODI series loss since a 2014 tri-series in Zimbabwe.
After New Zealand chose to bat first and managed 281 for nine, Australia came out all guns blazing in their chase and seemed to be cruising.
Big Bash league hero Usman Khwaja was finally given his opportunity as he partnered David Warner at the start of the innings.
Mitchell Santner had nearly taken the game away from the visitors with his left-arm spin, breaking the opening partnership and then trapping Warner leg before when the aggressive opener was within sight of his sixth one-day century.
New Zealand hit back with four wickets in the space of seven overs and Australia were in trouble at 197-6 when Mitchell Santner (3-47) removed Warner and Matthew Wade (2), who fell to a sensational boundary catch by Adam Milne, in quick succession. Two Matt Henry wickets saw Steve Smith and George Bailey dismissed in consecutive balls, while Glenn Maxwell followed three overs later, after being being bowled by Trent Boult.
Australia came out stronger in response to New Zealand target of 281/9.
Saturday’s match showcased his blossoming capabilities, with New Zealand slumping to 193 for six in the 37th over and in danger of being bowled out before their full allocation.
For Australia, Josh Hazlewood was the most successful bowler with three for 61.
New Zealand had won the toss and elected to bat first.
Marsh had earlier claimed the wickets of Martin Guptill (31) and Henry Nicholls (4) on his way to figures of 2-30 from six overs, while Hastings (0-42 from 10) proved economical. He was caught by Usman Khawaja on a Mitchell Marsh delivery.
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Australia have made three changes.
