Kiwis claim decider amid high drama

New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum's one-day career has ended in victory and controversy following a gripping contest in Hamilton.

Mitch Marsh backed up Saturday's series-levelling effort in Wellington with three scalps and 41 in the Chappell-Hadlee Series on Monday.

Quick Single: Marsh's controversial wicket sparks debate

The two skippers speak about the controversial wicket

However, NZ retained the trophy by successfully defending their modest total of 246 in the 55-run win.

They won the three-match series 2-1.

Watch: Black Caps rolled for 246

Tempers frayed in the 34th over of Australia's chase, when Marsh was given out by third umpire S Ravi (see video above).

Watch: Marsh wicket sparks debate

Australian wicketkeeper Matthew Wade argued with NZ allrounder Grant Elliott following the incident, while skipper Steve Smith sought an explanation from reserve umpire Billy Bowden.

Footage suggested Marsh was caught and bowled but the process left the allrounder and Smith seething.

Matt Henry tentatively appealed after the ball ricocheted off Marsh's boot and back to the paceman.

Henry's teammates and umpire Ian Gould were both disinterested, presuming the Kookaburra had actually bounced off the pitch.

Henry was almost back to his mark when a replay appeared on the big screen at Seddon Park.

Quick Single: McCullum entertains in final ODI

The sold-out crowd of 9751 erupted wildly and McCullum rushed over to Gould, who eventually referred the decision after consulting with fellow umpire Derek Walker.

"A bit of controversy there. I don't think there was much of an appeal ... it wasn't until they saw something on the big screen," Smith said in the post-match ceremony, triggering boos from the locals.

"The right decision was made – he was out, there's no doubt about that.

"But if I get hit on the pad next time and it's missing leg, do I stand there and wait until it shows that up on the big screen?

"It's all about putting these things in perspective, but I'm taking nothing away from the way the Black Caps played – they've outplayed us in this series and they thoroughly deserved to win." 

Smith, coach Michael Di Venuto and team manager Gavin Dovey had a long chat with match referee Chris Broad after the game.

Marsh was furious with the verdict, presumably because the replay prompted Gould to belatedly refer the catch.

It was the turning point of the match, with Marsh hitting the ball well and Australia reasonably well placed at 5-164 before his dismissal.

Yet again there was a concerning middle-order collapse for Australia that featured Smith, this time the tourists losing 3-19, with Glenn Maxwell going for a duck.

Watch: Aussies rue another review

Smith fell for 21, wrongly reviewing a plumb lbw verdict, meaning he'll start the two-Test series on Friday without a decent hit in local conditions.

McCullum lost the toss but signed off in signature style with the bat, blazing 47 off 27 balls.

Watch: McCullum's final ODI knock

The outgoing skipper rocketed NZ to 0-84 before Marsh stepped up, with mid-on John Hastings completing his dismissal by clutching a skied edge.

Marsh was later on a hat-trick when he removed Elliott and former state teammate Luke Ronchi, triggering a slump of 5-9 as the Black Caps were rolled in 45.3 overs.

McCullum, given a guard of honour by Australia at the start of play and many standing ovations by the crowd, will have high hopes ahead of the two-Test series.

The Black Caps skipper will take heart from several factors - especially the way Henry has consistently troubled the visiting batsmen.

Henry, leading the attack in the absence of sick swing king Trent Boult, finished with figures of 3-60.