Harare: Pakistan captain Farhan Yousaf has insisted that the upcoming tri-series in Zimbabwe will boost their preparations for the ICC Men’s U19 Cricket World Cup scheduled to be played in Namibia and Zimbabwe from January 15 to February 6.
The Green Shirts, who won the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup earlier this month by defeating arch-rivals India in a blockbuster final, held their first training session at the Harare Sports Club where they will begin their tri-series campaign against Afghanistan on Saturday.
Speaking to PCB Digital, the Pakistan captain shared that the national players are confident and excited for the upcoming challenge after a resounding triumph in the recently concluded continental tournament.
He further emphasized the importance of the tri-series to help his team adapt to the conditions here as they will be playing all the group-stage matches of the U-19 World Cup in the same city.
“The Asia Cup was a good win for us and the players showed great determination and intensity. The players are confident and excited as we go into the tri-series,” Farhan told PCB Digital.
“This tri-series is very important for the players and will help us find the right combinations ahead of the ICC Men’s U19 World Cup. The conditions here are similar and will be beneficial for our World Cup preparations,” he added.
The middle-order batsman hailed Afghanistan and Zimbabwe as “strong and competitive” teams, emphasizing his mantra of respecting their opposition.
“Both teams are strong and competitive in the competition and we respect every opposition as we look forward to a competitive event.”
After their campaign opener against Afghanistan on Saturday, Pakistan take on Zimbabwe at Prince Edward School on December 29, while the remaining two matches against Afghanistan and the home team are scheduled for January 2 and 4 respectively.
The top two teams on the points table after the league stage will advance to the final, which will be held on January 6 at the Old Hararians Sports Club.
Pakistan squad for tri-series and U19 World Cup
Farhan Yousuf (c), Usman Khan (VC), Abdul Subban, Ahmed Hussain, Ali Hasan Baloch, Ali Raza, Daniel Ali Khan, Hamza Zahoor (wk), Husaifa Ahsan, Momin Qamar, Mohammad Syam, Mohammad Shayan (wk), Uqab Shafiq, and Samar Shafiq.
Non-travel reserves: Abdul Qader, Farhanullah, Hasan Khan, Ibtisam Azhar and Mohammad Husayfa.