• Home
  • Cricket News
  • Famous Zimbabwe Surname Returns As Twin Sons Make It Into The U19 World Cup Squad

Famous Zimbabwe surname returns as twin sons make it into the U19 World Cup squad

Akshita Patel

Zimbabwe unveil squad for U19 World Cup [Source: @FrankMawoza1/X.com]Zimbabwe unveil squad for U19 World Cup [Source: @FrankMawoza1/X.com]

Zimbabwe have announced their 15-member squad for the ICC U19 Men’s World Cup starting next month, and it features two very familiar surnames. The twin sons of former Zimbabwe all-rounder Andy Blignaut, Michael and Kian Blignaut, have been selected to represent the country on home soil.

Namibia and Zimbabwe are co-hosting the 16th edition of the tournament, and the latter became the third team to reveal its squad. 

The Blignaut family features in the Zimbabwe U19 squad

The 17-year-old twins, Michael and Kian Blignaut, both capable with the bat and ball, will now get a chance to follow in their father’s footsteps.

Andy Blignaut, an explosive hitter and fiery pacer, played 74 matches for Zimbabwe and was part of the 2003 ODI World Cup. 

Now, two decades later, his sons will wear the national colours at a World Cup of their own. 

The team will be captained by young pacer Simbarashe Mudzengerere, while batter Nathaniel Hlabangana, who played in the 2024 U19 World Cup in South Africa, has also been included. 

Zimbabwe are placed in Group C alongside England, Pakistan, and Scotland. They’ll begin their campaign on January 15, facing Scotland at the Takashinga Sports Club in Harare. 

Zimbabwe U19 World Cup 2026 squad

Simbarashe Mudzengerere (c), Kian Blignaut, Michael Blignaut, Leeroy Chiwaula, Tatenda Chimugoro, Brendon Senzere, Nathaniel Hlabangana, Takudzwa Makoni, Panashe Mazai, Webster Madhidhi, Shelton Mazvitorera, Kupakwashe Muradzi, Brandon Ndiweni, Dhruv Patel, Benny Zuze

Ireland also unveil U19 World Cup squad

Apart from Zimbabwe, Ireland have also announced their 15-member squad for the ICC U19 World Cup. Pacer Olly Riley has been named captain, and Reuben Wilson is set for his third U19 World Cup as vice-captain. 

The squad also benefited from mentoring by senior players like George Dockrell and Gareth Delany. 

Ireland qualified after finishing eighth in 2024, their best result. Ireland will open their campaign against defending champions Australia on January 16.

Ireland U19 World Cup 2026 squad

Olly Riley (c), Reuben Wilson (vc), Alex Armstrong, Callum Armstrong, Marko Bates, Sebastian Dijkstra, Thomas Ford, Samuel Haslett, Adam Leckey, Febin Manoj, Luke Murray, Robert O’Brien, Freddie Ogilby, James West, Bruce Whaley