KEY POINTS
- Tri-series serves as vital preparation for ICC U19 World Cup 2026.
- Matches rotate across Harare venues to test operational readiness.
- Tri-series to conclude on January 6, a week before start of U19 World Cup.
HARARE: Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) has announced it will host Pakistan and Afghanistan in a high-stakes Under-19 tri-series, serving as a vital warm-up for all three teams ahead of the ICC Men’s U19 Cricket World Cup 2026.
The series, a key part of final preparations for the global event that Zimbabwe will co-host with Namibia in January, begins on December 25 at Harare Sports Club with the home side facing Afghanistan. Pakistan enters the fray on December 26 against Afghanistan at the same venue.
“This tri-series is a key part of our final preparations,” stated ZC Managing Director Givemore Makoni. “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.”
In a move designed to test operational readiness for the World Cup, matches will be rotated across multiple venues in Harare, including Prince Edward School, Sunrise Sports Club, and Old Hararians Sports Club. The final is scheduled for January 6 at Old Hararians, featuring the top two teams from the league stage.
For Pakistan, the series offers immediate high-level competition following their ongoing campaign in the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup in Dubai, which concludes on December 21.
