Preparations for the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026 are set to step up as Zimbabwe, Afghanistan and Pakistan lock horns in a tri-nation series ahead of the global tournament.
With the U19 World Cup scheduled to run from 15 January to 6 February across Zimbabwe and Namibia, the upcoming series has been designed to give all three teams valuable match practice in local conditions before the main event begins.
The action will begin on Christmas Day, 25 December, when hosts Zimbabwe take on Afghanistan at Harare Sports Club. Two days later, the same venue will stage the clash between Afghanistan and Pakistan on 27 December.
The competition will then shift to Prince Edward School on 29 December, where Zimbabwe face Pakistan, before the hosts return to the field on 31 December to meet Afghanistan at Sunrise Sports Club.
Afghanistan and Pakistan will renew their rivalry on 2 January at Sunrise Sports Club, while the final round-robin encounter will see Zimbabwe play Pakistan at Old Hararians Sports Club on 4 January. The same venue will also host the final of the tri-series on 6 January.
Zimbabwe Cricket Managing Director Givemore Makoni highlighted the importance of the tournament in shaping the hosts’ World Cup readiness.
“This tri-series is a key part of our final preparations for the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup,” Makoni said.
“Facing strong Under-19 sides like Afghanistan and Pakistan will provide our players with the quality competition they need ahead of a major global event at home.”
The tri-series carries added significance for all three teams. Zimbabwe and Afghanistan will be aiming to make history by claiming their maiden Under-19 World Cup title, while Pakistan arrive with pedigree, having lifted the trophy twice in 2004 and 2006.
