SA-born Mumbai franchise batter Bevon Jacobs to debut for NZ in T20Is

South Africa-born cricketer Bevon Jacobs has been called for New Zealand’s T20I squad for the very first time for a three-match series against Sri Lanka, just weeks after being chosen by the Mumbai franchise in the Indian T20 League auction. 

The 22-year-old Jacobs was bought by the Mumbai franchise for the base price of ₹30 Lakh, despite his playing in only nine domestic T20 matches with a highest score of 42 off 20 deliveries in six innings. 

The right-handed power hitter has found the role of a finisher in T20 matches for the Canterbury province and now for Auckland.

“He’s a promising player with a lot of talent, and we’re looking forward to exposing him to international cricket,” New Zealand selector Sam Wells stated. “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.”

Jacobs’ name was announced in the 13-man squad on Monday, which will be led by Mitchell Santner. Other notable players include Zak Foulkes, Mitch Hay, and Tim Robinson. These players made their Blackcaps debuts on the tour of Sri Lanka earlier this year but have yet to play any international matches for their team at home.

Foulkes, Robinson, and Jacobs have not been listed for the New Zealand squad for the three-match One-Day series versus Sri Lanka, which follows the T20 series.  The inaugural T20I game will be played at Mount Maunganui on Saturday.

Devon Conway and Kane Williamson have not been selected. They have opted out of New Zealand central contracts to play in overseas franchise T20 leagues, just like Adam Milne, Lockie Ferguson, and Finn Allen, who compete in the Australian T20 League.

NZ 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.

NZ 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.