The Black Caps have given skipper Brendon McCullum a winning farewell to one-day international cricket with victory over Australia in the Chappell-Hadlee decider in Hamilton.
However, the win at Seddon Park on Monday was overshadowed by the controversial dismissal of Mitch Marsh as Australia lost by 55 runs.
Marsh, on 41, hit a Matt Henry delivery on to his front foot and the ball bounced up to be caught by the bowler, who made a low-key appeal before walking back to his run-up.
After the replay was shown on the big screen and the capacity 9750 crowd erupted, the incident was referred to the TV umpire.
Marsh was given out, leaving Australia teetering at 164-6, chasing a target of 247.
The allrounder, who had closed out Australia's successful chase in Wellington to square the three-match series, did not hide his upset when he walked off.
McCullum believed the correct call was reached even if the process "was far from ideal".
"In the end, the right decision was made," he said.
"But it's just disappointing there's a little bit of controversy in what was an outstanding match and an outstanding series."
McCullum said what happened was obviously disappointing from the Australian point of view.
"But it would be nice to focus on the fact that we took nine other wickets as well and, in the end, the right decision was made for the game," he said.
McCullum denied that he and Marsh exchanged heated words, saying they merely discussed how the decision was reached.
Australian skipper Steve Smith said there was no doubt Marsh was out, but he said the process needed improving.
"I don't think decisions should be made coming across on the big screen," he said.
"I don't think that's right for the game. I just think there needs to be better processes put in place."
Set what seemed like a modest target, Australia folded to be all out for 191 in the 44th over.
After a brisk 39-run stand by openers Usman Khawaja and David Warner, New Zealand were able to peg back the run rate by taking wickets.
Henry finished with 3-60, while allrounder Corey Anderson (2-16) and legspinner Ish Sodhi (2-32) also chipped in.
Anderson and seamer Doug Bracewell (1-15) were particularly economical, conceding less than three runs an over.
Bracewell and Sodhi, who ended up being named man of the match, had come in for the unwell Trent Boult and injured Mitchell Santner.
McCullum, 34, is due to draw the curtain on a 14-year international career after the two-Test series starting on Friday against Australia.
After winning the toss and sending New Zealand in to bat, the tourists gave McCullum a guard of honour as walked out to the crease in his 260th ODI.
He responded with a typically aggressive innings, smashing 47 off 27.
He smacked nine boundaries, including three sixes, the third of which made him the fourth player to achieve 200 ODI sixes.
When he went for another big hit, he miscued a Marsh delivery and was caught.
He and Martin Guptill produced a quickfire 84-run opening partnership, but the home side didn't take full advantage.
There were starts from the rest of the top order, and Guptill (59) and Grant Elliott (50) scored half-centuries.
But the Black Caps began to lose their way against some tight bowling and their last six wickets fell for just 23 runs.
Marsh took two wickets in two balls during the collapse to finish with 3-34.
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