Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo, Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE Afghanistan men’s Under-19 national cricket team touched down at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport in Harare on Monday ahead of their highly anticipated Youth One Day International (Yodi) Tri-Series against Pakistan and Zimbabwe, scheduled to get underway on Christmas Day.
The Afghan side arrived in high spirits ahead of their opening clash against the Young Chevrons at the country’s ceremonial home of cricket, Harare Sports Club, tomorrow.
This tournament serves as crucial preparation for the International Cricket Council (ICC) U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026, set to be co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia starting in January. With this series, Afghanistan and Pakistan have effectively become the first nations to arrive for next year’s global showpiece.
“This tri-series is a key part of our final preparations for the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup. Playing against strong Under-19 teams like Afghanistan and Pakistan will give our players the quality match experience they need ahead of a major global event on home soil,” said Zimbabwe Cricket Managing Director Givemore Makoni in a statement confirming the tour.
The first game gets underway on Christmas Day, followed by Afghanistan versus Pakistan on December 27 at Harare Sports Club. The tournament then moves to Prince Edward School on December 29, where Zimbabwe will face Pakistan, before the hosts return to action on New Year’s Eve against Afghanistan at Sunrise Sports Club.
Afghanistan and Pakistan will meet again on January 2 at Sunrise Sports Club, while the final round-robin fixture will be staged at Old Hararians Sports Club two days later, with Zimbabwe taking on Pakistan.
The top two teams on the points table will contest the tri-series final, scheduled for January 6, at Old Hararians Sports Club.
The ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup will run from January 15 to February 6, featuring 16 nations, including debutants Tanzania. Matches in Zimbabwe will be held at Harare Sports Club and Takashinga Cricket Club in Harare and Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, while Namibia will host games in Windhoek.
Ahead of the tournament, the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup trophy will tour Masvingo, Bulawayo and Harare from January 4 to 7.
Drawn in Group C alongside England, Pakistan and Scotland, Zimbabwe will play all their group matches at Takashinga Cricket Club. They open their campaign against Scotland on January 15, face England on the 18th and take on Pakistan on the 22nd. – @brandon_malvin
