The New Zealand cricket team has announced its squad for the upcoming T20I series against Sri Lanka, and one name stands out—Bevon Jacobs. The promising young batter, who recently caught the spotlight with his explosive performances, is set to make his international debut during the series. This call-up marks not just another milestone for the talented Jacobs but also reflects the strategic focus on nurturing new talent within the squad.
Jacobs, born in Pretoria, South Africa, has made waves since moving to New Zealand at the age of three. His cricketing prowess was honed through the ranks, particularly at Auckland, where he has recently shone for the Auckland Aces. His statistics are compelling: Jacobs scored 134 runs during the 2023/24 Super Smash at a phenomenal strike rate of 188.73. Such impressive numbers are hard to ignore and demonstrate his ability to perform under pressure, particularly as a finisher.
His rapid rise led to his selection for the T20I series, which will see New Zealand take on Sri Lanka at Mount Maunganui starting December 28, 2023. This series is particularly significant as it not only showcases the next generation of New Zealand cricket but also serves as preparation for the upcoming Champions Trophy. The T20Is are scheduled at Mount Maunganui on December 28 and 30, followed by the final match at Nelson on January 2, 2024.
NZC selector Sam Wells expressed excitement about Jacobs's potential. "It's obviously an exciting time for Bevon and his family. He's a promising player with a lot of talent and we're looking forward to exposing him to international cricket," he noted. Wells's faith reflects the confidence the selectors have in Jacobs, especially following his impressive domestic performances.
Jacobs signed with the Mumbai Indians during the IPL 2025 auction for the base price of 30 lakhs, which is noteworthy considering other star names, including Kane Williamson, went unsold. He has made significant strides since making his List A and T20 debuts last year with Canterbury and has now returned to Auckland, where he began his first-class career. His performances included notable innings of 75 and 79 and a stunning 80 against his old team, Canterbury. Recently, he also made headlines with his explosive 100 off just 40 balls playing for South Brisbane against Roombull.
The T20I squad also features other new talents, including Zakary Foulkes, Mitchell Hay, and Tim Robinson. This blend of new and experienced players aims to create competitive synergy, as Foulkes and Robinson have already debuted internationally this year. Hay is set to take on wicketkeeping duties during these matches, covering for the established Tom Latham, who is also involved but will join later for the one-dayers.
The team will be captained by Mitchell Santner, supported by experienced players like Daryl Mitchell and Matt Henry, who return from their rest period. NZC is also keeping player fitness and workload management on the radar, as Ben Sears and Kyle Jamieson are unavailable due to injury recovery.
This series against Sri Lanka offers Jacobs and his teammates—a mix of debutants and seasoned players—a platform to showcase their talents. "We're eager to continue exposing new talents to the big stage, and having seasoned players around them provides significant support, particularly with the Champions Trophy on the horizon," Wells concluded.
Jacobs's call-up heralds a new chapter for this young batter and New Zealand cricket as they prepare to embrace the challenges of international competition. Whether it’s maintaining his impressive strike rate or turning heads with his batting technique, all eyes will be on Jacobs as he steps onto the field for the T20I series, making his presence felt on the international stage.
