The New Zealand middle-order batter Bevon Jacobs has been ruled out of the 2nd T20I game against South Africa due to an injury to his left knee.
Uncapped Katene Clarke has been named as cover for the showdown. Clarke had an impressive campaign in T20 cricket, scoring 1485 runs at an average of 30.30 and a strike rate of 143.61, including two centuries and six half-centuries.
The 23-year old Jacobs fell on his left knee while fielding in the 1st T20I match of the South Africa tour of New Zealand 2026 in Mount Maunganui and left the ground.
He underwent scans which revealed bone bruising on the side of his knee. “Jacobs left the ground on Sunday night during the first T20I after falling on his left knee while fielding. Subsequent scans revealed bone bruising on the side of his knee. Further assessment is required to determine Jacobs’ return-to-play timeline,” added the NZC in a statement.
BLACKCAPS batter Bevon Jacobs has been ruled out of tomorrow’s second Life Direct T20I v South Africa at Seddon Park with a knee injury.
Katene Clarke comes into the squad early as cover.#NZvWIM | 📸 @PhotosportNZ pic.twitter.com/OKt4GGoFSY
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) March 16, 2026
The New Zealand squad arrived in Hamilton on Monday ahead of the T20I double-header on Monday ahead of the Seddon Park on Tuesday.
Previously Ish Sodhi was ruled out of the ongoing series against South Africa after fracturing his thumb while training. He sustained the injury while bowling at the Bay Oval on Saturday, with scans confirming a fracture that will sideline him for atleast four weeks.
With Ish Sodhi ruled out, Mitchell Santner and Cole McConchie shared spin duties in 7-wicket for the Blackcaps, where they were bowled out for 91 runs.
NZC had also said they would not call up a replacement for Sodhi, especially with Lockie Ferguson linking up with the squad for second and third matches. Rest of the three T20I games in the series will be played at Eden Park, Sky Stadium and Hagley Oval.
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