New Zealand have picked new Mumbai Indians recruit Bevon Jacobs in their T20I squad for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka. Here’s all you need to know about the hard-hitting middle-order batter.
Jacobs, 22, is an explosive middle-order batter, who fetched INR 30 lakh from the Mumbai Indians in the 2025 IPL auction. He was one of the rising talents in the 2023-24 Super Smash, New Zealand’s domestic T20 competition. Playing for Canterbury Kings, Jacobs caught the eye with his finishing prowess with the bat. He immediately shot to fame with a 20-ball 42 on debut against Auckland, against an attack comprising New Zealand international Jimmy Neesham and New Zealand A seamer Sean Solia.
He finished the season with 134 in six innings. What was remarkable was his strike rate of 189. Only Doug Bracewell (202) had more among players to have played a minimum of 50 balls.
Born in Pretoria, South Africa, Jacobs shifted base to New Zealand at the age of three. He spent much of his formative years in Auckland before moving to Canterbury, where he made his T20 and List A debuts.
Jasprit Bumrah has taken 21 wickets at an incredible average of 10.90, with only one bowler in history surpassing this in an Australian series—93 years ago.
— Wisden India (@WisdenIndia) December 23, 2024
The 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy is challenging all historical patterns.
Read here ➡️ https://t.co/Y556YRVBkz pic.twitter.com/DHg9Ws4XU2
However, before the 2024-25 domestic season, he returned to Auckland for his maiden first-class appearance. He was an instant hit here as well, scoring 75 and 79 in his side’s 54-run win against Wellington.
The right-hander bolstered his CV further with 100 off 40 balls for South Brisbane against Toombul on the final day of the Queensland T20 Max tournament. It is his long levers that allow him to hit boundaries at will.
"It's obviously an exciting time for Bevon and his family," New Zealand selector Sam Wells said. "He's a promising player with a lot of talent and we're looking forward to exposing him to international cricket. 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."
In a practice match for New Zealand XI against Sri Lanka on the day of his international call-up, Jacobs grabbed the headlines for smashing three sixes in a 28-run over off pacer Chamindu Wickramasinghe. His 16-ball 39 was enough to convince the selectors to fast-track him. Despite Jacobs’ cameo, the New Zealand were skittled for 94 in 13.4 overs. Sri Lanka won the match by three wickets.
Follow Wisden for all cricket updates, including live scores, match stats, quizzes and more. Stay up to date with the latest cricket news, player updates, team standings, match highlights, video analysis and live match odds.
