Martin Guptill blasts New Zealand to T20 series victory over Australia

Black Caps seal seven-wicket win in Wellington decider

Martin Guptill celebrates reaching his half century during New Zealand's seven-wicket victory over Australia in the fifth and final T20 clash in Wellington on March 7. AFP

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson with the trophy for winning the series 3-2. AP

New Zealand's Mitchell Satner, left, celebrates catching Australia captain Aaron Finch for 36. AFP

Martin Guptill goes big during his knock of 71 from 46 balls. Getty

Martin Guptill catches Australia's Ashton Agar for six. AFP

Australia's Aaron Finch hits out in Wellington. AP

New Zealand bowler Ish Sodhi finished with 3-24 against Australia. AP

Australia's Matthew Wade plays a shot on his way to 44. AFP

New Zealand opener Devon Conway hit 36 from 28 balls. AFP

Australia's Riley Meredith claimed the wicket of Black Cats captain Kane Williamson for a duck. AFP

Martin Guptill struck 71 off 46 balls as part of a century opening partnership as New Zealand powered to a seven-wicket victory over Australia in their Twenty20 series decider in Wellington.

Australia, who had fought back from 2-0 down to 2-2 in the series, decided to bat first in the fifth match, but lost a number of wickets as they posted 142-8.

Matthew Wade was the pick of the batsmen, making 44 off 29, with contributions from captain Aaron Finch (36) and Marcus Stoinis (26).

Ish Sodhi was the pick of the Black Caps' attack, taking 3-24 from his four overs, with two wickets each for seamers Tim Southee and Trent Boult.

New Zealand got off to a strong start in reply, with the opening pair of Guptill and Devon Conway (36) put on 106 runs before the loss of the first wicket in the 12th over.

Kane Williamson then fell for a duck, but Glenn Phillips' 34 off 16 ensured the home side reached their target with 27 balls remaining.

"It was an incredibly hard-fought series, with momentum shifts throughout," said Williamson. "To adjust on this surface after the first two games on this pitch was very pleasing.

"We know how strong the Australian side is, we just wanted to put on a much improved performance. In some ways we got exposed on that surface. It was a little better today and a really good all-round performance."

His Australian counterpart Finch pinpointed how his team's downfall arrived. "We probably just weren't aggressive enough with the bat. We kept losing wickets at regular intervals.

"A couple of us put time in the innings and didn't go on. If one of us gets 60-70 it's a different picture. It would have been nice to win but NZ is a great side."