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New Zealand Cricket (NZC) on December 23 announced the T20I and ODI squads for the home series against Sri Lanka kicking off on December 28. Bevon Jacobs who was picked by Mumbai Indians (MI) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction got his maiden T20I call-up.
In the practice match between New Zealand XI and Sri Lanka on December 23, Jacobs smashed pacer Chamindu Wickramasinghe for three sixes in a 28-run over. His 16-ball 39 immediately earned him a place in the Kiwi side and he is set to make his T20I debut this year. However, despite Jacobs' cameo, New Zealand XI were bowled out for 94 in 13.4 overs. Sri Lanka won the warm-up encounter by three wickets.
In the last edition of New Zealand's domestic T20 league Super Smash, Jacobs scored 134 runs from six innings at a strike rate of 188.73 for Canterbury Kings. His long levers and ability to hit big caught the attention of five-time IPL champions MI's scouts. He became their surprise pick in the mega auction.
"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."
This will be Mitchell Santner's first series as designated captain of the T20I and ODI sides. Head coach Gary Stead will not be with the squad for the home series. Former wicketkeeper-batter Luke Ronchi will be fulifilling the head coach duties in Stead's absence.
Big players missing from squad
New Zealand will be missing the services of their experienced players. Kane Williamson and Devon Conway will be playing in SA20 League 2025 whereas Lockie Ferguson, Finn Allen, Adam Milne and Tim Seifert are a part of their respective Big Bash League (BBL) franchises in the ongoing season.
New Zealand's squad for white-ball series against Sri Lanka
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)
