New Zealand’s Bevon Jacobs, who earned his maiden IPL deal with Mumbai Indians in the latest auction, has smashed his maiden first-class century in a Plunket Shield match on Friday (March 7).
The fifth round of New Zealand’s premier first-class competition saw Central Districts rack up 700-5 after being asked to bat first by Auckland. That is the fifth-highest innings total in New Zealand first-class cricket. They batted for 151 overs before declaring their innings, as forgotten New Zealand T20I batter Tom Bruce stole the show with his 401-ball 345.
Match 13, Auckland Aces vs Central Stags
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Bevon Jacobs scores maiden first-class century
Auckland’s response to the mountain score was spearheaded by Jacobs, who was bought by MI for INR 30 lakh in the 2025 IPL auction. After Auckland were 56-2 following the dismissals of captain Sean Solia (16) and William O’Donnell (30), Jacobs entered at No.4, smashing his maiden first-class ton in his eighth innings.
The 22-year-old eventually finished with a 257-ball 157, studded with 20 fours and three sixes, in a 139-run stand for the sixth wicket with debutant Lachlan Stackpole (87).
Unfortunately for Auckland, the efforts of Jacobs and Stackpole were not enough to bring their team close to Districts' first innings score, as they were bowled out for 421, still trailing by 279 runs and were forced to follow on. They were 13-0 in their second innings by the end of day three.
A maiden first-class hundred for Bevon Jacobs, with his 157 coming in a 139-run partnership for the 6th wicket alongside debutant Lachlan Stackpole (87). Catch up on the Day 3 scores | https://t.co/rpq4VxvnAu 📷=@PhotosportNZ #PlunketShield #CricketNation pic.twitter.com/eZJCAeTDF5
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) March 7, 2025
Jacobs set to represent Mumbai Indians in IPL 2025
Jacobs, an explosive middle order batter, caught the eye with his finishing prowess in Super Smash, New Zealand’s domestic T20 competition. He was an instant hit on his first-class debut as well, scoring 75 and 79 in Auckland’s 54-run win against Wellington in November last year. His exploits earned him a maiden T20I call-up in New Zealand's 2024-25 T20I series in Sri Lanka.
MI will start their IPL 2025 campaign on March 23 against arch-rivals Chennai Super Kings. While an in-form Jacobs may not be a sure starter, he will still consolidate their bench strength.
Image credit: Instagram / @aucklandcricket
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