Harare: Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) on Tuesday confirmed a home tri-series against Pakistan and Afghanistan ahead of the ICC Men’s U19 Cricket World Cup 2026 co-hosting with Namibia from January 15 to February 6.
According to ZC, the tri-series will begin on December 25 at the Harare Sports Club here, with the home team taking on Afghanistan.
Pakistan will begin their campaign a day later, on December 27, when they face Afghanistan at the same venue.
“This tri-series is an important part of our final preparations for the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup,” ZC Managing Director Kivmore Makoni said.
“Playing against strong U-19 teams like Afghanistan and Pakistan will give our players the quality competitive experience they need ahead of a big global event on home soil,” he added.
After the first two matches, Zimbabwe will take on Pakistan against Afghanistan at the Sunrise Sports Club on December 31, before shifting to Prince Edward School on December 29.
The second encounter between Pakistan and Afghanistan will be played on January 2 at the Sunrise Sports Club, while the final scheduled league-level match between Zimbabwe and the Green Shirts will be played at the Old Hararians Sports Club on January 4.
Makoni disclosed that it was decided to hold the tournaments in several locations to test the country’s operational readiness to co-host the global event next month.
“Hosting matches at multiple venues allows us to test our systems and operational readiness as we prepare to host the U19 World Cup alongside Namibia,” he said.
“This is an important step in ensuring we deliver a successful ICC event.”
The top two teams in the standings after the league stage will advance to the final on January 6 at the Old Hararians Sports Club.
It is to be noted that Pakistan is currently involved in the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2025, which is being held in Dubai till December 21.
The Green Shirts will face either Sri Lanka or Bangladesh in the semi-finals on Friday.