WELLINGTON, New Zealand — Bevon Jacobs, a batter who was born in South Africa, has been selected for New Zealand’s T20 squad for the first time. This announcement comes ahead of a three-match series against Sri Lanka, and just weeks after Jacobs was picked by the Mumbai Indians during the Indian Premier League auction.
The 22-year-old Jacobs was acquired by Mumbai at the base rate of 30 lakh (approximately US$35,000). Despite his limited experience in domestic T20 cricket, with only nine matches played and a top score of 42 off 20 balls across six innings, he has impressed as a powerful finisher. Initially, he showcased his skills for Canterbury and is now playing for Auckland.
New Zealand selector Sam Wells expressed optimism about Jacobs, highlighting his potential and talent. “He’s a promising player with a lot of talent, and we’re eager to see how he adapts to international competition,” Wells commented. “He possesses significant power with the bat and has demonstrated a solid technique and temperament in longer formats.”
Jacobs is part of a 13-member squad that will be led by captain Mitchell Santner. The roster also includes Mitch Hay, Zak Foulkes, and Tim Robinson, who made their debuts for New Zealand during the series in Sri Lanka earlier this year but have not yet played in front of a home crowd.
It’s noteworthy that Jacobs, Foulkes, and Robinson have not been chosen for the subsequent three-match one-day series against Sri Lanka that follows the T20 encounters. The opening T20 match is scheduled to take place in Mount Maunganui this upcoming Saturday.
Kane Williamson and Devon Conway are absent from the T20 squad as they have opted out of New Zealand Cricket contracts to participate in foreign T20 leagues, joined by Adam Milne, Finn Allen, and Lockie Ferguson, who are engaged in the Australian Big Bash League.
The New Zealand T20 squad consists of: Mitchell Santner (captain), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Mitch Hay, Matt Henry, Bevon Jacobs, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Robinson, and Nathan Smith.
For the ODI format, the squad includes: Mitchell Santner (captain), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Mitch Hay, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Nathan Smith, and Will Young.