Black Cap Bevon Jacobs Photo: Alan Lee / www.photosport.nz
Black Caps newcomer Bevon Jacobs was filled with pride as he made his debut for New Zealand.
Jacobs played a vital role in the Black Caps' win over South Africa in the opening game of the T20 Tri-Series in Harare.
He hit an unbeaten 44 off 30 balls and combined for a sixth-wicket partnership of 103 with Tim Robinson, as New Zealand beat South Africa by 21 runs.
The South African-born batter admitted it was nice to finally stand next to his teammates and listen to the national anthem as he prepared to make his debut.
"It is one of those moments you dream of as a kid, and to be there and to have family there also, it was a very special moment for me," Jacobs said.
What added to the occasion was the fact he made his debut for New Zealand against his country of birth.
"Our family chat went off with them deciding which team to cheer for, which was funny, but it was really cool as it was a full circle moment for me."
The 23-year-old moved to New Zealand with his family when he was three.
After his efforts with Robinson in the first game, the pair are likely to be named for game two against Zimbabwe Friday night, despite five regulars returning following their involvement in the Major League Cricket final in the US.
Bevon-John Jacobs. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz
After the Proteas game, Robinson commented on the composure Jacobs showed in his international debut.
"I'm glad it came out that way, but no I was always nervous getting that start," Jacobs said.
"Robbo (Robinson) was really good out there and it was good to communicate with him and go about our work the way we did."
Jacobs started his provincial career with Canterbury in 2023, before moving to Auckland a year later.
He was picked up by the Mumbai Indians in this year's Indian Premier League draft, but didn't get on the field.
New Zealand and Zimbabwe have only met six times in T20 internationals, with New Zealand winning all of them.
They have played three times in Harare, the last in 2011 when Brendon McCullum and Martin Guptill batted through the innings to score a 10-wicket win.
The Black Caps were last in Zimbabwe in 2016 for a test series which they won 2-0.
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