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The second match of the T20I tri-series between New Zealand and South Africa was quite a thrilling game from start to finish. South Africa picked regular wickets, and for New Zealand, there was one fifty from a batter and one 100+ partnership, followed by a finish which helped them to gather 63 runs in the slog overs. At one stage, the Kiwis were in a dangerous situation at 70/5, but Tim Robinson and debutant Bevon Jacobs, who had shocked the cricketing world earlier this year by getting signed by Mumbai Indians (MI) in the Indian Premier League (IPL), changed the game.
With an innings of 44 not out, Bevon Jacobs announced himself at the international stage, in a match against the country where he was born. Scoring at a strike rate of more than 140, he hit one four and three direct hits across the boundaries for a six in the 30 balls he played. “He’s a really strong guy, really impressive debut from him and we talked about backing ourselves, he’s going to be an unbelievable player,” said Tim Robinson during the innings break with whom Jacobs made a partnership of 103 runs.
Bevon Jacobs and Tim Robinson share highest sixth-wicket partnership for New Zealand in T20Is
The sixth-wicket stand of 103 runs between Tim Robinson and Bevon Jacobs fetched them the record of the best partnership for the sixth for the Kiwis in T20Is. It was also the highest sixth-wicket partnership in T20Is against South Africa. For most of the innings, the proteas controlled the flow of runs on a flat Zimbabwean track at Harare Sports Club in Harare. On his debut, slow left-arm bowler Senuran Muthusamy trapped Mitchell Hay, and the quick dismissal of James Neesham put the pressure on the duo. But they batted cautiously and when the time was they accelerated as well.
Bevon Jacobs was signed by Mumbai Indians for the IPL 2025, but he didn’t get a game to play for the team. Although, in an interview with ESPNcricinfo, Jacobs recalled that the three months he spent with them was a learning experience. “I definitely think I've made those learnings and improvements. Obviously, implementing into my game is going to be a longer work in progress.” he said.
