Jakob Bhula

Jakob Bhula is an enigmatic young all-round talent from Wellington, New Zealand. A stroke-making Right-hander capable of batting anywhere in the top/middle order, Jakob is also a very capable Right-arm Off Spinner that has been firmly entrenched in the New Zealand domestic pathways system since he was a youngster. A long-term Karori club member, Jakob is currently contracted to the Wellington Firebords in the the NZ Domestic system.

Identified as one to watch from a very young age, Jakob represented Wellington at U19 level from the age of 15 and as he progressed through the age groups, was a regular feature for the Firebrids at every step through to his junior career finishing with representation for hosts, New Zealand U19 at the 2018 ICC Under 19 World Cup, representing NZ on 7 occasions with a dazzling best of 180 against Kenya in the group stages and finishing 6th in the tournament runs tally.

At the conclusion of the World Cup, Jakob headed to the UK, linking with the MCC Young Cricketers and Twickenham CC in the ECB Middlesex Premier League for the 2018 summer. He was outstanding for the club, scoring 556 runs in 15 innings with a standout performance against Hampstead CC in a narrow 2-wicket win. Having bagged 5-58 in the HCC innings, he then steered Twickenham home with an excellent 135* (158). Overall Jakob chimed in with 26 wickets @ 20.92 to top off an excellent summer.

On his return to New Zealand, First class and List debuts followed in summer 2018-19, completing his transition from junior star to Professional Cricketer. Whilst his appearances had been sporadic as his development continues, he remained firmly within the Firebirds system and made his T20 debut in January 2023, scoring 35* against Auckland.

Seeking a return to the UK in 2023, Jakob joined North Mymms CC in the ECB Hertfordshire Premier League, scoring 709 runs @ 39.39 and picking up 19 wickets as well. During the summer, Jakob was invited to play for the South Asian Cricket Academy and also the Warwickshire 2nd XI, scoring a combined 648 runs for both teams, including an outstanding 135* against Gloucestershire for the SACA XI.

Jakob will be an excellent pick up for any UK club seeking a highly-rated Batsman that is a genuine contributor with the ball. Jakob is also fortunate to hold a UK Passport.