- Honda and Nissan expected to begin merger talks
- 'Draconian' Vietnam internet law heightens free speech fears
- Israeli women mobilise against ultra-Orthodox military exemptions
- Asian markets track Wall St rally as US inflation eases rate worries
- Tens of thousands protest in Serbian capital over fatal train station accident
- Trump vows to 'stop transgender lunacy' as a top priority
- 'Who's next?': Misinformation and online threats after US CEO slaying
- Only 12 trucks delivered food, water in North Gaza Governorate since October: Oxfam
- Langers edge Tiger and son Charlie in PNC Championship playoff
- Explosive batsman Jacobs gets New Zealand call-up for Sri Lanka series
- Holders PSG edge through on penalties in French Cup
- Daniels throw five TDs as Commanders down Eagles
- Atalanta fight back to take top spot in Serie A, Roma hit five
- Mancini admits regrets over leaving Italy for Saudi Arabia
- Run machine Ayub shines as Pakistan sweep South Africa
- Slovak PM Fico on surprise visit to Kremlin
- 'Incredible' Liverpool must stay focused: Slot
- Maresca 'absolutely happy' as title-chasing Chelsea drop points in Everton draw
- Salah happy wherever career ends after inspiring Liverpool rout
- Three and easy as Dortmund move into Bundesliga top six
- Liverpool hit Spurs for six, Man Utd embarrassed by Bournemouth
- Netanyahu vows to act with 'force, determination' against Yemen's Huthis
- Ali hat-trick helps champions Ahly crush Belouizdad
- Salah stars as rampant Liverpool hit Spurs for six
- Syria's new leader says all weapons to come under 'state control'
- 'Sonic 3' zips to top of N.America box office
- Rome's Trevi Fountain reopens to limited crowds
- Mbappe strikes as Real Madrid down Sevilla
- Pope again condemns 'cruelty' of Israeli strikes on Gaza
- Lonely this Christmas: Vendee skippers in low-key celebrations on high seas
- Troubled Man Utd humiliated by Bournemouth
- 2 US pilots shot down over Red Sea in 'friendly fire' incident: military
- Man Utd embarrassed by Bournemouth, Chelsea held at Everton
- France awaits fourth government of the year
- Death toll in Brazil bus crash rises to 41
- Odermatt stays hot to break Swiss World Cup wins record
- Neville says Rashford's career at Man Utd nearing 'inevitable ending'
- Syria's new leader vows not to negatively interfere in Lebanon
- Germany pledges security inquest after Christmas market attack
- Putin vows 'destruction' on Ukraine after Kazan drone attack
- Understated Usyk seeks recognition among boxing legends
- France awaits appointment of new government
- Cyclone Chido death toll rises to 94 in Mozambique
- Stokes out of England's Champions Trophy squad
- Gaza rescuers say Israeli strikes kill 28
- Sweet smell of success for niche perfumes
- 'Finally, we made it!': Ho Chi Minh City celebrates first metro
- Angry questions in Germany after Christmas market attack
- China's Zheng pulls out of season-opening United Cup
- Minorities fear targeted attacks in post-revolution Bangladesh
Explosive batsman Jacobs gets New Zealand call-up for Sri Lanka series
Hard-hitting New Zealand batsman Bevon Jacobs earned a maiden call-up Monday for their T20 series against Sri Lanka, which marks the start of Mitchell Santner's tenure as white-ball captain.
Jacobs has turned heads since bursting on the domestic scene last year and was a surprise pick-up by Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League auction this month.
The Blackcaps face Sri Lanka in three T20s starting Saturday in Mount Maunganui followed by a three-match ODI series from January 5 -- their last before the Champions Trophy hosted by Pakistan.
Jacobs was only included in the T20 squad.
"It's obviously an exciting time for Bevon and his family," said selector Sam Wells.
"He's a promising player with a lot of talent and we're looking forward to exposing him to international cricket.
"He's clearly got a lot of power with the bat, but he's also shown in the longer formats that he has a decent technique and temperament."
Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell and Matt Henry all return to the white-ball squads after missing last month's trip to Sri Lanka to prepare for the just-finished England Test series.
Henry leads a youthful pace attack which includes Zac Foulkes, Will O'Rourke, Jacob Duffy and all-rounder Nathan Smith.
Santner is the frontline spin option, alongside all-rounders Ravindra, Michael Bracewell and Glenn Phillips.
Kane Williamson and Devon Conway are playing in South Africa's SA20 competition and were unavailable while Ben Sears (knee) and Kyle Jamieson (back) continue their rehabilitation from injury.
T20 squad: Mitchell Santner (capt), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Mitch Hay, Matt Henry, Bevon Jacobs, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Robinson, Nathan Smith
ODI squad: Mitchell Santner (capt), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Mitch Hay, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O'Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Nathan Smith, Will Young
B.Godinho--PC