Online Reporter
Tinashe Kusema-Zimpapers Sports Hub
OVER the last couple of days, Zimbabwe Under-19 cricket team coach Elton Chigumbura has had to do some deep soul-searching.
On one hand, his Young Chevrons have not had the best of World Cups, what with the weather disruptions and a batting line-up yet to prove their mettle.
Their passage into the ICC Under-19 World Cup Super Six stage has also been subject to debate, albeit with most of the attention pointed at Pakistan rather than the hosts themselves.
Pakistan beat Zimbabwe in their final group game of the 2026 Under-19 Cricket World Cup last week, but did so in a manner that also ensured the host’s qualification to the Super Six, taking advantage of the tournament rules to give themselves the best net run rate possible in the next stage of the competition.
Zimbabwe’s qualification on net run rate, along with Pakistan in Group C, came at the expense of Scotland, who looked poised to qualify at the midway point of Pakistan’s chase of the target of 129 at Takashinga Cricket Grounds.
However, Pakistan slowed down significantly from the end of the 14th over onwards and ultimately got to the target in 26.2 overs.
Had they won before 25.2 overs, Scotland, and not Zimbabwe, would have qualified for the Super Sixes.
Zimbabwe’s Under-19 coach Chigumbura appears to have no qualms about his team benefiting from Pakistan’s alleged tactics.
The hosts have since been given a second chance to atone for what has been an underwhelming tournament so far.
And, that is the most important thing for him.
“In tournament cricket, teams will always make tactical decisions based on their objectives and the competition format,” said Chigumbura.
“Pakistan did what they felt was best for their campaign, and we respect that.
“Our focus is not on external debates — it’s on our own performance and how we prepare for the next challenge,” he said.
Pakistan gained a significant net run rate advantage, with Zimbabwe qualifying ahead of Scotland owing to the format of the Under-19 World Cup.
But that is a story for another day.
Today, Zimbabwe open their Super Six stage of the tournament with a match against India at Queens Sports Club.
That match starts at 9:30am.
And the Zimbabwe camp has spent the larger part of the last couple of days preparing for that match rather than the debate surrounding their qualification.
Chigumbura has opted to take the lessons from the Pakistan match and better prepare for their Pakistan. “Pakistan gave us valuable insights into where we are as a team,” he said.
“We have reviewed our execution in key phases, particularly around managing pressure moments and maintaining intensity.
“Over the last couple of days, we have worked on refining our plans, improving clarity in roles, and sharpening skills in both batting and bowling.
“The boys have earned their place here, and they are excited about testing themselves against the best.
“We believe in this group’s ability, and more importantly, in their character.
“If we stay true to our processes and play with confidence, we’ll be ready for the challenge,” Chigumbura said.
India are not a far cry from Pakistan with the teams having recently met in the Under-19 Asia Cup late last year.
Pakistan, of course, was a runaway winner of that match, beating India by a whopping 191 runs.
Chigumbura is, however, not reading much into that and has vowed to give India the respect they deserve.
“India are a high-quality side with depth in all departments,” he said.
“They are well-structured, skilful, and experienced at this level.
“It will be another excellent test for us, and we are looking forward to the challenge.
“Our focus will be on staying disciplined, competing hard, and trusting our preparation,” Chigumbura said.
Zimbabwe go into the match with a clean bill of health and they spent the last three days preparing for the match.
“The initial excitement of qualifying has settled, which is a good thing,” said the Zimbabwe coach.
“The boys have embraced the moment but also understand that the job isn’t done.
“The nerves have turned into focus, and the group is now fully locked in on the challenges ahead.
“The mood is very positive and motivated. “There’s a strong sense of belief, togetherness, and hunger to keep progressing. “The players are enjoying the experience, but they’re also serious about what we want to achieve.
“The squad is in good shape with no major injury concerns at this stage. Any minor niggles are being managed well” Chigumbura said.
