Chronicle Editor
ZIMBABWE Under-19 will face Nigeria Under-19 in five one-day cricket matches in Harare, with the first game scheduled for Old Hararians Sports Club today.
The second match will be played at the same venue tomorrow before the teams move to Takashinga Sports Club in Highfield for the other three games set for March 10, 12 and 14.
Both sides will be using the series as part of preparations for the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2020 in South Africa.
Zimbabwe, together with 10 other Full Members of the International Cricket Council (ICC), excluding Ireland, qualified automatically for the biennial global youth tournament, but Nigeria will first have to earn a finals place through the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup Qualifier Africa Division 1 tournament.
Zimbabwe Under-19 coach Prosper Utseya said the one-dayers against Nigeria will provide him with an opportunity to assess the players vying for places in his side for the tournament in South Africa next January.
“We are still in the Under-19 World Cup selection process and we would like to give everyone an opportunity to fight for a place in the Zimbabwe side for the tournament,” said Utseya.
“This will also allow us to try out combinations and game plans.”
Utseya said although Zimbabwe were stronger and more experienced compared to Nigeria, it was crucial for his charges to get used to playing and winning while carrying the “favourites” tag.
“At the Under-19 World Cup, we always meet the so-called smaller teams, but results are not always guaranteed. This is still international cricket, with national pride at stake, and we are still treating Nigeria with the respect that we would accord any other team.
“It is also important that our boys learn to handle the pressure that comes with the favourites’ tag. Also, as a Full Member of the ICC, we have an obligation to help develop other African countries and I am sure Nigeria will leave Zimbabwe with invaluable experience.”
Zim Under-19 for first two one-dayers
Milton Shumba, Gareth Chirawu, Wesley Madhevere, Dion Myers, Tadiwa Marumani, Dane Schadendorf, Taurayi Tugwete, Sakhumuzi Ndlela, Tadiwa Maravanyika, Privilege Chesa, Tadiwa Nyangoni, Rameez Ahmed, Nkosinathi Nungu
—ZimCricket
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