Auckland: Power-hitting sensation Bevon Jacobs has earned his maiden BLACKCAPS call-up for the upcoming T20I series against Sri Lanka, starting this weekend at Bay Oval.
Jacobs, 22, has impressed selectors with his explosive batting performances in domestic cricket. After bursting onto the scene with the Canterbury Kings in last season’s Super Smash, he has continued his stellar form with the Auckland Aces this year across formats.
Jacobs, who was also picked up in last month’s IPL mega auction by Mumbai Indians, scored a rapid 39 off 16 balls for the New Zealand XI in the T20 warm-up match against Lankan Lions at Lincoln University Ground on Monday (Dec 23).
Fresh Faces and Squad Details
The BLACKCAPS selectors have announced two 13-member squads for the T20I and ODI series against Sri Lanka, marking the beginning of Mitchell Santner’s tenure as full-time white-ball captain.
The ODI series, starting in January, will be New Zealand’s final series before selecting their 15-member squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan.
Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, and Matt Henry rejoin the white-ball squads after missing last month’s tour of Sri Lanka to focus on preparations for the England Test series.
The squads include several young faces, including Zac Foulkes, Mitch Hay, and Tim Robinson, who will make their home debuts after playing their first internationals overseas earlier this year.
Wicketkeeper-batter Mitch Hay has been selected for both squads after his standout performances during New Zealand’s recent tour of Sri Lanka. Hay set a T20I record for the most dismissals in an innings (five catches and one stumping) and followed it up with a 49-run knock in the second ODI.
He will keep wickets in the T20Is and serve as batting and keeping cover in the ODIs, where Tom Latham is set to join the squad. Will O’Rourke and Will Young will also feature in the ODI squad, replacing Jacobs, Foulkes, and Robinson, who are part of the T20I squad only.
Selectors Praise Jacobs’ Potential
BLACKCAPS selector Sam Wells congratulated Jacobs on his selection, highlighting his ability to balance power-hitting with technique and temperament in longer formats.
“It’s a proud moment for Bevon and his family,” Wells said. “He’s an exciting player with a lot of talent, and we’re eager to see how he handles the demands of international cricket.”
“He’s clearly got a lot of power with the bat, but he’s also shown in the longer formats that he has a decent technique and temperament.”
Pace and Spin Options
New Zealand’s bowling attack will be led by Matt Henry, supported by rising stars like Zak Foulkes, Jacob Duffy, O’Rourke and Nathan Smith.
Santner will serve as the primary spin option, with support from Rachin Ravindra, Michael Bracewell, and Glenn Phillips.
T20I Squad:
Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Mitch Hay, Matt Henry, Bevon Jacobs, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Robinson, Nathan Smith
ODI Squad:
Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Mitch Hay, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Nathan Smith, Will Young
Schedule :
December 28: 1st T20I, Tauranga (11:45 am SLST)
December 30: 2nd T20I, Tauranga (11:45 am SLST)
January 2: 3rd T20I, Nelson (5:45am SLST)
January 5: 1st ODI, Wellington (3:30am SLST)
January 8: 2nd ODI, Hamilton (6:30am SLST)
January 11: 3rd ODI, Auckland (6:30am SLST)
