Zimbabwe’s preparations for the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026 will intensify over the festive period as they host Afghanistan and Pakistan in a Youth One-Day International tri-series in Harare.

The triangular tournament forms a crucial part of Zimbabwe’s build-up to the global event, which the country will co-host alongside Namibia from 15 January to 6 February 2026. With the World Cup being staged on home soil, the series offers valuable match exposure for Zimbabwe’s young cricketers against strong opposition.

U19 tri-series to begin on Christmas Day as Zimbabwe fine-tune World Cup preparations

Zimbabwe Cricket Managing Director Givemore Makoni confirmed the series, describing it as a vital step in the team’s final preparations. “This tri-series is a key part of our final preparations for the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup,” Makoni said. “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.”

The action begins on Christmas Day (25 December), with hosts Zimbabwe taking on Afghanistan at Harare Sports Club. Afghanistan will then face Pakistan on 27 December at the same venue.

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The tournament will move across multiple venues in Harare, allowing Zimbabwe Cricket to also test its operational readiness ahead of the World Cup. Zimbabwe will play Pakistan at Prince Edward School on 29 December before meeting Afghanistan again on 31 December at Sunrise Sports Club. Afghanistan and Pakistan will clash for the second time on 2 January, while the final league match will see Zimbabwe face Pakistan at Old Hararians Sports Club on 4 January.

The top two teams on the points table will qualify for the final, scheduled for 6 January at Old Hararians Sports Club.

Under-19 Tri-Series Schedule

While Zimbabwe and Afghanistan will be chasing their first-ever U19 World Cup title, Pakistan enter the build-up as two-time champions, having lifted the trophy in 2004 and 2006.