ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s under-19 cricket team will begin their tri-series campaign against Afghanistan on Saturday in Harare, Zimbabwe, using the tournament as a key warm-up ahead of next month’s ICC Men’s U19 World Cup, co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia.
The tri-series features three teams—Pakistan, Afghanistan, and hosts Zimbabwe—competing in a 50-over format. Each team will face the others twice, with the top two advancing to the final on January 6.
Pakistan clinched the eight-team ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup in Dubai after defeating India by 191 runs in the final in Dubai on 21 December.
“The Asia Cup was a great win for us, and the players showed excellent morale and intensity,” said Pakistan captain Farhan Yousaf, talking to PCB Digital.
“This tri-series is crucial for helping us find the right combinations ahead of the U19 World Cup,” he said.
Fresh off the ACC U19 Asia Cup title ✨
Pakistan U19 captain Farhan Yousaf sets his sights on the upcoming tri-series in Zimbabwe 🇿🇼Pakistan play their first game on Saturday 🆚 Afghanistan U19 🏏
Read more ➡️ https://t.co/yD7r4Lvxr1#PakistanFutureStars | #PAKvAFG pic.twitter.com/awSWy33fTo
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) December 26, 2025
Yousaf added, “The conditions here are similar to what we will face in the World Cup, so this tournament is an important preparation. Both teams are strong and competitive, and we respect every opposition as we aim for a competitive event.”
Pakistan’s tri-series schedule includes matches against Zimbabwe on December 29, a second game against Afghanistan on January 2, and a final round-robin match against the hosts on January 4. Games will be held at multiple Harare venues, including Harare Sports Club, Prince Edward School, and Sunrise Sports Club.
Pakistan will begin their U19 World Cup campaign on January 16 against England, followed by matches against Scotland and Zimbabwe in the group stage. The Super Six stage starts on January 25, with the final scheduled for February 6 at Harare Sports Club.
15-member squad
Farhan Yousaf (captain), Usman Khan (vice-captain), Abdul Subhan, Ahmed Hussain, Ali Hasan Baloch, Ali Raza, Daniyal Ali Khan, Hamza Zahoor (wk), Huzaifa Ahsan, Momin Qamar, Mohammad Sayyam, Mohammad Shayan (wk), Niqab Shafiq, Sameer Minhas and Umar Zaib
