New Zealand announces white-ball squad for Sri Lanka series; Bevon Jacobs gets a maiden call up

Bevon Jacobs has received his first call-up to the New Zealand cricket team for the upcoming T20I series against Sri Lanka. This announcement comes shortly after his acquisition by the Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2025 auction, marking a significant milestone in his budding career.

Bevon Jacobs: A promising youngster

At just 22 years of age, Jacobs has quickly established himself as a promising talent in New Zealand cricket. Originally from South Africa, Jacobs has made a name for himself as a hard-hitting batter, particularly in T20 formats. His recent performance in domestic competitions has caught the attention of selectors, showcasing his ability to finish games with explosive batting. In the Super Smash, he averaged 134 runs across six innings at an impressive strike rate of 188.73, which undoubtedly contributed to his selection for the national team.

New Zealand selector Sam Wells expressed optimism about Jacobs’ potential. “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,” Wells said in his official statement. This dual capability suggests that Jacobs could be a versatile asset for the team as they prepare for international challenges.

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Kane Williamson and Devon Conway miss out

The announcement of New Zealand’s squad for the T20I series also highlights some notable absences. Experienced players like Kane Williamson and Devon Conway have opted out to participate in overseas T20 leagues, specifically the Big Bash League in Australia. Their absence opens up opportunities for younger players like Jacobs and others who are eager to prove themselves on the international stage as they both will miss out from the ODIs as well.

The T20I squad will be captained by Mitchell Santner, who is stepping into a more prominent leadership role following his appointment as full-time captain for white-ball formats. Alongside Jacobs, newcomers Mitch Hay and Zak Foulkes are also included, reflecting a blend of youth and experience aimed at revitalizing the squad ahead of crucial matches.

The first T20I match against Sri Lanka is set to take place at Mount Maunganui on December 28, 2024. This series not only serves as an opportunity for Jacobs to showcase his skills but also acts as a preparatory ground for New Zealand ahead of their ODI series scheduled for January 2025. The ODI matches will be particularly significant as they will help shape the squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy in Pakistan.

New Zealand’s squad for the white- all series against Sri Lanka

New Zealand 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.

New Zealand 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.

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