16/12/2025
Zimbabwe’s final preparations for the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026 will gather pace over the festive season when they welcome Afghanistan and Pakistan for a youth one-day international triangular series in Harare. The tournament forms part of Zimbabwe’s build-up to the global showpiece, which the country will co-host with neighbours Namibia from 15 January to 6 February 2026. Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) Managing Director Givemore Makoni confirmed the tri-series, saying it would provide critical competitive exposure for the country’s young players ahead of the World Cup. “This tri-series is a key part of our final preparations for the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup,” he said. “Playing against strong Under-19 teams like Afghanistan and Pakistan will give our players the quality match experience they need ahead of a major global event on home soil.” Action will get underway on Christmas Day, 25 December, with Zimbabwe facing Afghanistan at Harare Sports Club. The second match will see Afghanistan take on Pakistan on 27 December, also at Harare Sports Club. The tournament will then move to Prince Edward School on 29 December, where Zimbabwe will face Pakistan, before the hosts return to action on 31 December against Afghanistan at Sunrise Sports Club. Afghanistan and Pakistan will meet again on 2 January at Sunrise Sports Club, while the final round-robin fixture will be staged at Old Hararians Sports Club two days later, with Zimbabwe taking on Pakistan. Makoni said the tri-series would also assist ZC in fine-tuning its readiness as a co-host nation. “Hosting matches across several venues allows us to test our systems and operational readiness as we prepare to co-host the U19 World Cup with Namibia,” he said. “It is an important step in ensuring we deliver a successful ICC event.” The top two teams on the points table will contest the tri-series final, scheduled for 6 January at Old Hararians Sports Club.
Degoz The Cric doctor