Pakistan, Oct. 2 -- Mitch Marsh blasted 85 from 43 balls as Australia beat New Zealand by six wickets Wednesday in the first Twenty20 international for the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy.

Marsh lit up a bitterly cold night at Bay Oval by hitting nine fours and five sixes as Australia surpassed New Zealand's total of 181-6 with 21 balls remaining.

Australia hit 20 fours and nine sixes on a night of high winds and low temperatures. Marcus Stoinis finished the run chase with a boundary from the first ball he faced.

"Obviously, in a three-match series it's important to start with a win and it's nice to contribute," Marsh said. "(Travis Head) and I have a great relationship off the field and hopefully that translates into some good partnership batt...