Johannesburg : New Zealand gave their skipper Brendon McCullum the best send-off as they defeated Australia by 55 runs in the third and the final ODI, thereby clinching the three-match Chappell-Hadlee series 2-1 at Seddon Park in Hamilton on Monday.
Replying to the target of 247 runs, Australia were bundled out for 191 runs despite some resistance by opener Usman Khawaja (44) and Mitchell Marsh (41).
Matt Henry bagged three important wickets of opener David Warner, Marsh and George Bailey while Corey Anderson and Ish Sodhi also claimed two wickets each.
Adam Milne and Doug Bracewell claimed one wicket each.
Earlier, McCullum bid adieu to the limited-over format in a trademark fashion as he reached the milestone of 200 sixes from 260 ODI matches, Sport24 reported.
McCullum, who is one of the biggest hitters of all time, smashed six boundaries and three sixes while making 47 off just 27 balls.
McCullum also received a guard of honour from the entire Australian team as he walked to the crease and a standing ovation from the spectators.
Despite McCullum’s speedy knock and substantial support by opener Martin Guptill (59) and Grant Elliot (50), New Zealand collapsed for 246 runs.
Sodhi was adjudged as the `man of the match` for crucial breakthroughs in his eight overs spell. He claimed two crucial wickets, giving away just 31 runs. (ANI)