Hamilton, 17 March (H.S.): New Zealand cricket suffered a pre-match setback ahead of the second T20I against South Africa, with middle-order batsman Bevon Jacobs ruled out due to a knee injury sustained during fielding in the series opener at Mount Maunganui.

The 23-year-old was forced to retire hurt after scans confirmed bone bruising on the edge of his left knee; New Zealand Cricket announced further assessments to gauge his return timeline, prompting the inclusion of uncapped 26-year-old Katene Clarke as replacement cover.

Clarke arrives in red-hot touch from Northern Districts' Super Smash title triumph, where he amassed 431 runs in nine innings—including a century and three fifties—at an average of 61.57 and blistering strike rate of 171.71.The second T20I unfolds Tuesday in Hamilton, where South Africa holds a 1-0 series lead following their seven-wicket victory in the opener.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar