Online Reporter
Good morning, cricket fans!
Our Reporter Don Makanyanya is coming to you live from Takashinga Sports Club in Harare, where the excitement is palpable as Zimbabwe kicks off its Under 19 World Cup campaign.
Today, they face a competitive Scottish side in their opening group match.
The toss is set for 9:00am, with the match expected to begin at 9:30am.
Both teams are eager to make a strong start in this prestigious tournament, and all eyes will be on the pitch as we await the captain’s decision that could set the tone for the game.
Stay tuned for all the live updates, match highlights, and key moments as the action unfolds!
Historic moment for Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe is co-hosting the ICC U-19 World Cup with Namibia from January 15 to February.
This is historic as it is the first time the event is being held in the country.
Zimbabwe will host a total of 25 matches, including Super 6 matches and the final, which will be held at Harare Sports Club.
Zimbabwe Cricket chairperson Tavengwa Mukuhlani said this is a historic event for the country.
“This is a big step for us as we will be hosting the ICC U-19 World Cup for the first time. The tournament also comes with infrastructure development.
“It also comes with a lot of goodwill on the country’s part. We have built that over time by hosting the qualifiers for women and men.
“This U-19 World Cup helps us, as Zimbabwe cricket, to prepare us for the main World Cup coming in 2026,” said Mukuhlani.
Match delayed due to wetfield
The match between Zimbabwe and Scotland has been delayed due to a wet outfield at Takashinga Sports Club.
The match was expected to start at 0930am.
The two sides are taking part in the ICC U-19 2026 World Cup tournament.
An inspection of the field is expected to be done at 1030am.
Match delayed further
Following the latest round of inspection at 1030am, the match between Zimbabwe and Scotland has been further delayed due to a wet field.
The next round of inspection has been set for midday.
It is now expected that if the match goes ahead, the overs will be reduced.
In the event that the match is called off, the two sides will be awarded a point each.
Harare Mayor on standby to watch match
ZC chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani shares a light moment with Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume ahead of the start of the ICC Men’s Under -19 World Cup between Zimbabwe and Scotland.
The match has been delayed due to a wet outfield.
Another field inspection set for 3:30pm
Following the latest inspection of the field, the match has been further delayed.
Another field inspection has been set for 13:30pm.
Fingers remain crossed for Zimbabwe.
Light showers delay inspection
A few minutes before the officials returned for inspection, Takashinga experienced light showers, thereby leading to the placement of covers and further delaying the inspection.
With rain predictability at 70 percent this afternoon, chances of the match being abandoned are now high.
We wait for more information in the next few minutes.
Match called off
An inspection has been made and the two captains from Zimbabwe and Scotland have been called up.
The match officials have told the captains that the match has been cancelled without a ball being bowled due to a wet outfield.
The two teams will share the spoils.
