New Zealand Announce 15-Man Squad for Zimbabwe Tri-Nation T20 Series, Bevon Jacobs Earns Maiden Call-Up

New Zealand have named a 15-member squad for the upcoming tri-nation T20I series in Zimbabwe this July, with talented batter Bevon Jacobs earning his first international call-up. Experienced pacers Adam Milne and Matt Henry also return from injury layoffs.

The 23-year-old Jacobs is uncapped at the international level but impressed selectors with his consistent domestic performances and experience in the IPL with Mumbai Indians. Though he was previously selected for the Sri Lanka series, he did not make his debut.

Adam Milne returns to the squad for the first time since November. Currently in fine form with Texas Super Kings in Major League Cricket, he has taken 9 wickets in 4 matches and will lead the pace attack alongside Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Will O’Rourke, and Jack Foulkes.

Several frontline quicks miss out due to injury and personal reasons: Lockie Ferguson, Ben Sears, and Kyle Jamieson are all unavailable. Henry returns after injury, having previously been the leading wicket-taker in the Champions Trophy.

In the batting lineup, Finn Allen and Tim Seifert provide firepower at the top. Seifert was New Zealand’s top scorer in the recent series against Pakistan with 249 runs, while Allen made headlines with a blistering 151 off 51 balls in MLC.

Seifert will be the primary wicketkeeper, with Allen as backup. As a result, Devon Conway and Tom Blundell are not in the squad.

To strengthen the middle and lower order, the squad includes all-rounders Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, and Michael Bracewell. Spin options are led by Mitchell Santner and Ish Sodhi.

This series will also mark Rob Walter’s first assignment as head coach. Walter expressed satisfaction with the squad’s balance and depth, stating:

“Every series is important as we build toward the World Cup. This tour is a valuable opportunity to test new players and strengthen our squad depth.”

New Zealand Squad for Zimbabwe Tri-Nation T20 Series:

• Mitchell Santner (Captain)

• Finn Allen

• Michael Bracewell

• Mark Chapman

• Jacob Duffy

• Jack Foulkes

• Matt Henry

• Bevon Jacobs

• Adam Milne

• Daryl Mitchell

• Will O’Rourke

• Glenn Phillips

• Rachin Ravindra

• Tim Seifert

• Ish Sodhi