Zimbabwe to stage U19 World Cup 2026 prep with tri-series vs Pakistan, Afghanistan

Zimbabwe U19 to host Pakistan and Afghanistan [Source: @ZimCricketv/x]

Zimbabwe Cricket has confirmed that the Zimbabwe Under-19 men’s team will be hosting Afghanistan and Pakistan in a seven-match Under-19 tri-series in December and January. The series will serve as a testing ground for all three sides ahead of next month’s 2026 ICC Men’s Under-19 Cricket World Cup in Zimbabwe and Namibia.

Zimbabwe Cricket Managing Director Givemore Makoni confirmed that the tri-series will commence from December 25 onwards next week.

U19 tri-series in Zimbabwe to kick off World Cup 2026 build-up

On December 16, Zimbabwe Cricket Managing Director Givemore Makoni said that the upcoming Under-19 tri-series against Afghanistan and Pakistan will mark a “key part” of Zimbabwe’s final preparations for next month’s 2026 ICC Men’s Under-19 Cricket World Cup at home.

Makoni added that playing against “strong teams” like Pakistan Under-19 and Afghanistan Under-19 will give Zimbabwe players the “quality match experience” they will be needing just ahead of an ICC showpiece event.

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The Under-19 tri-series will be played between December 25 and January 6. While the Harare Sports Club will host the first couple of matches of the series, Prince Edward (third) and Sunrise Sports Club (fourth and fifth) will stage the next three 50-overs games.

The Old Hararians Sports Club will host the last league round and the final match of the competition on January 4 and January 6 respectively. Here is a look at the entire schedule of the Zimbabwe Under-19 tri-series:

The 2026 ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup will kick-off in Bulawayo roughly a week after the conclusion of the Zimbabwe Under-19 tri-series.

Both Zimbabwe and Pakistan are placed in Group B of the tournament, while Afghanistan in clubbed in Group D alongside South Africa, Tanzania and West Indies.

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