Online Reporter
Tinashe Kusema
Zimpapers Sports Hub
WHEN most of their age-mates are busy opening presents, looking for the hottest and trendiest place to go and hang out on Christmas Day, the Zimbabwe Under-19 cricketers will be hard at work.
This year’s December 25 will mark the start of a Triangular series between hosts Zimbabwe, Pakistan and Afghanistan.
It is the hosts’ last stop before the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup bursts into life.
Zimbabwe will, however, also play a few warm-up matches before the global showcase which is slated for January 15-February 6, 2026. Coach Elton Chigumbura has stressed the importance of giving his charges as much game time and exposure as possible, a vital cog he believes will be instrumental in the country’s victory charge.
“We have played a lot of games to prepare ourselves for the World Cup tournament,” said Chigumbura.
“The key thing here has been to give the boys as much exposure and I think we have done that by playing the likes of South Africa, Bangladesh and Ireland.
“Before the actual tournament, we have another tri-series against Pakistan and Afghanistan.
“So, when it comes to the exposure, these guys have got international experience. “Now, it’s just a matter of polishing up before the tournament starts,” he said.
His sentiments were echoed by his captain, Simbarashe Mudzengerere, who did not even blink twice at the prospect of missing out on the Christmas Day celebrations.
“For one to be able to conquer something, one needs to make sacrifices,” boldly declared the skipper.
“We have willingly sacrificed our Christmas for the job and to make sure we prepare as best as possible for the World Cup.
“Here, that means taking part in the tri-series,” he said.
Mudzengerere is, however, pleased with how the team is shaping up, and the tri-series could be the final piece in the puzzle.
“It’s been two good years with the boys, preparing for the World Cup,” he said.
“We have had a couple of tours and played a tri-series against South Africa and Bangladesh, and it was good preparation for the challenges that lie ahead.
“We also played Ireland, and all these tours and matches gave us the necessary exposure.
“Most of our players also took part in the National Premier League, so we are not short on game time,” he said.
Mudzengerere is already looking forward to the World Cup and believes that playing at home should put them in good stead.
He is also feeling a little nervous from having to perform in front of the home fans.
“I can say, there is a little pressure, but it’s an advantage to us to play at home,” he said.
“We are going to play on conditions that we are all too familiar with.
“We know the fields and how the wickets perform, so that will be an advantage to us.
“The morale is high, the boys are looking good, and working with coach Elton Chigumbura has been a highlight for most of us. “We grew up idolising him, watching him on television, and now have been allowed to interact and learn from him,” Mudzengerere said.
