Jacobs, Fisher power New Zealand ‘A’ to five-wicket win over Hobart Hurricanes Academy

Darwin, 29 August 2026: Bevon Jacobs struck a rapid half-century and Matthew Fisher claimed four wickets as New Zealand ‘A’ cruised to a five-wicket win over Hobart Hurricanes Academy in the Top End T20 Series on Saturday.

Chasing 150 at Marrara Cricket Ground, New Zealand ‘A’ reached 153-5 in 16.3 overs, completing the win with 21 balls to spare.

New Zealand ‘A’ slipped to 24-2 early and was 53-3 after Matthew Boyle departed for eight, but Jacobs seized control of the chase with an aggressive 58 from 30 balls. His innings featured seven fours and three sixes and came at a strike rate of 193.33.

Jacobs shared a 61-run partnership with Mitchell Hay to put New Zealand ‘A’ firmly in command before falling with the score on 114. Hay remained unbeaten on 41 from 30 balls, while Josh Clarkson added an unbeaten 22 from 16 to finish the chase.

Earlier, Hobart Hurricanes Academy were dismissed for 149 in 19.5 overs after New Zealand ‘A’ elected to bowl first. Bradley Hope and captain Tim Ward top-scored with 31 apiece, while Zac Curtain contributed 24 from 17 balls.

Fisher led New Zealand A’s attack with 4-25 from four overs, while Jayden Lennox returned 3-21. The Hurricanes had recovered from 45-3 through Hope and Ward but lost their final six wickets for 30 runs as New Zealand A kept the scoring under control late in the innings.

The win lifted New Zealand ‘A’ to fourth in the standings with six points from six matches and a net run rate of 0.859. Bangladesh High Performance XI lead the table with 10 points, followed by Adelaide Strikers Academy and Victoria CA XI on eight. Hobart Hurricanes Academy remain ninth and without a point after six defeats.

Scores in brief:

New Zealand ‘A’ won by five wickets with 21 balls remaining

Hobart Hurricanes Academy 149 all out in 19.5 overs (Bradley Hope 31, Tim Ward 31; Matthew Fisher 4-25, Jayden Lennox 3-21)

New Zealand ‘A’ 153-5 in 16.3 overs (Bevon Jacobs 58, Mitchell Hay 41 not out)