New Zealand have handed a maiden call-up to Auckland Aces’ big-hitting youngster, Bevon Jacobs, for the upcoming T20I series against Sri Lanka at home, starting on December 28.
Jacobs, who was recently bought by the Mumbai Indians in the mega IPL auction, impressed with a quickfire 39 off 16 balls for New Zealand XI in a warm-up game against Sri Lanka on December 23.
Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, and Matt Henry make their return for both the T20Is and ODIs after missing last month’s trip to Sri Lanka in preparation for the Test series against England.
The series, featuring three T20Is and three ODIs, will mark Mitchell Santner’s debut as New Zealand’s full-time white-ball captain.
The ODI series in January 2025 will also be the team’s final chance to finalize their squad for the Champions Trophy.
New Zealand squad:
| Player Name |
|---|
| Mitchell Santner (c) |
| Michael Bracewell |
| Mark Chapman |
| Jacob Duffy |
| Zak Foulkes (T20I only) |
| Mitch Hay |
| Matt Henry |
| Bevon Jacobs (T20I only) |
| Tom Latham (ODI only) |
| Daryl Mitchell |
| Will O’Rourke (ODI only) |
| Glenn Phillips |
| Rachin Ravindra |
| Tim Robinson (T20I only) |
| Nathan Smith |
| Will Young(ODI only) |
Jacobs caught the eye in last year’s Super Smash, New Zealand’s domestic T20 tournament, where he scored 134 runs in six innings at an impressive strike rate of 188.73, playing a key role as a finisher for Canterbury Kings.
“It’s an exciting time for Bevon and his family,” said New Zealand selector Sam Wells.
“He’s a promising talent with a lot of power, and we’re excited to see him take the next step in international cricket.
While he’s shown immense power with the bat, he has also demonstrated solid technique and temperament in longer formats.”
The trio of Zac Foulkes, Mitch Hay, and Tim Robinson, who made their white-ball debuts earlier this year in away series, will feature in a home series for the first time.
Hay, who made a memorable impact in Sri Lanka last month, finds himself in both the ODI and T20I squads.
During the first T20I in Dambulla, Hay set a men’s record for most dismissals in an innings with five catches and a stumping.
He also contributed with the bat, scoring 49 in the second ODI.
Hay will keep wickets in the T20Is, while in ODIs, he will provide batting and wicketkeeping cover for Tom Latham, who will join the squad for the 50-over games.
Will O’Rourke and Will Young will also join for the ODIs, replacing Jacobs, Foulkes, and Robinson, who are in the T20I squad only.
O’Rourke has been rested for the T20Is to manage his workload after featuring in eight Tests in recent months against Sri Lanka, England, and India.
Former keeper-batter Luke Ronchi will serve as head coach for this home series, with Gary Stead taking a break after an extensive period in charge.
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