Hard-hitting batter Bevon Jacobs became New Zealand’s newest T20 international after debuting against South Africa in the ongoing Zimbabwe T20I Tri-series, completing a remarkable turnaround from IPL benchwarmer to international cricketer.

From warming bench in IPL 2025 to making his international debut

Jacobs, a 23-year-old, South Africa-born batting all-rounder, spent IPL 2025 on the fringes with Mumbai Indians (MI). The franchise picked him up as an emerging talent, but he didn’t make the playing XI, instead spending most matches observing from the dugout and soaking in advice from MI’s galaxy of stars including Lasith Malinga, Rohit Sharma, Kieron Pollard and Jasprit Bumrah. “The IPL was an amazing experience, and I got three months there to learn new facets of my game,” Jacobs reflected recently, admitting the stint refined both his technique and mental skills.

Despite his lack of game time in Mumbai, Jacobs continued to impress in New Zealand’s domestic circuit—recording his maiden Plunket Shield century and making notable contributions in franchise leagues across the globe. His all-round skills and versatility, most frequently utilised as a finisher in T20 cricket, brought him to the attention of the New Zealand selectors, earning him a call-up for the Harare tri-series featuring South Africa and Zimbabwe.

New Zealand head coach Rob Walter noted Jacobs’ rapid development: “Bevon’s been an outstanding performer in domestic cricket. It’ll be a good chance for him to get back into the squad and potentially play.” The call proved justified as Jacobs was named in the BlackCaps’ XI for the series’ second fixture against South Africa at Harare Sports Club.

Slotting in at No. 6, Jacobs arrived at the crease with New Zealand in trouble, losing wickets in the middle overs. He remained unbeaten on 44 off 30 balls, partnering with Tim Robinson (75 not out off 57) in the rebuild, as New Zealand finished at 173/5 against a potent South African attack.

The match itself was a high-stakes affair as the Tri-series’ second encounter, with both teams eyeing a place in the final set for July 26.

The New Zealand side, captained by fellow Mumbai Indians all-rounder Mitchell Santner, displays strong IPL connections. The tourists’ squad includes other MI alumni such as pacer Adam Milne, who returned to the national fold after injury and a successful MLC stint, and wicketkeeper Tim Seifert, another IPL fringe player.

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SA vs NZ: Playing XI of both teams

South Africa: Reeza Hendricks, Lhuan-dre Pretorius (wk), Rassie van der Dussen (c), Rubin Hermann, Dewald Brevis, George Linde, Senuran Muthusamy, Corbin Bosch, Gerald Coetzee, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi

New Zealand: Tim Seifert (wk), Devon Conway, Tim Robinson, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Hay, Bevon Jacobs, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner (c), Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy

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