NEWS
Follow UsNew Zealand have included Auckland Aces' big-hitting youngster Bevon Jacobs in their T20I squad for the three-match home series against Sri Lanka, starting on December 28. Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, and Matt Henry, who missed last month’s tour of Sri Lanka, are back in both the T20I and ODI squads.
The home series against Sri Lanka, featuring three T20Is and as many ODIs, will be Mitchell Santner’s first assignment as New Zealand’s full-time white-ball skipper.
Jacobs, bought by Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2025 mega auction, has hit 134 runs in six T20 innings at an average of 33.50 and a strike rate of 188.73. The right-handed batter, who plays as a finisher, smashed 39 off 16 for New Zealand XI in the warm-up game against Sri Lanka on December 23 (Monday) at Bert Sutcliffe Oval in Lincoln.
"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,” said New Zealand selector Sam Wells. “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."
Wicketkeeper-batter Mitch Hay, who made his New Zealand debut in November, has been included in both the T20I and ODI squads. On the other hand, Zac Foulkes and Tim Robinson will only feature in the 20-over series. Meanwhile, Will O'Rourke, Tom Latham, and Will Young have only been added to the ODI set-up.
New Zealand's head coach, Gary Stead, has been given a break. In his absence, Luke Ronchi will take charge of the squad.
Squad - 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)
