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.

Pakistan won the T20I tri-series title after comfortably beating Sri Lanka in the Final of the tri-series at Rawalpindi on Saturday (November 29) night.  

After Pakistan captain Salman Agha chose to field first, Sri Lanka had a strong start before a dramatic batting collapse resulted in 114 all out in 19.1 overs. In reply, Pakistan chased down the target in 18.4 overs after losing four wickets, as they won the match by six wickets with eight balls remaining. 

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PAK vs SL, T20I tri-series Final: Sri Lanka lost last eight wickets for 16 runs

Although Pathum Nissanka was dismissed early for 11 runs, Kamil Mishara and Kusal Mendis had a 64-run partnership for the second wicket. While Mendis scored 14 runs, Mishara scored 59 off 47 balls with two fours and four sixes. However, once Mishara was dismissed, as Sri Lanka were batting at 98/3, they lost the remaining seven wickets for only 16 runs, as none of the other Lankan batters managed to reach double-digit scores. 

Shaheen Shah Afridi (3/18) and Mohammad Nawaz (3/17) both got three wickets each, while Abrar Ahmed (2/18) and Saim Ayub (1/17) also shared three wickets.

PAK vs SL, T20I tri-series Final: Pakistan top-order batters comfortably finished game

Pakistan controlled the entire chase, as the hosts hardly had any tough challenges to chase the 115-run target. Openers Sahibzada Farhan (23) and Saim Ayub (36) provided controlled starts, while the leading run-scorer in T20I history, Babar Azam, scored 37 not out to secure the victory for the hosts. 

Among the Sri Lankan bowlers, Pavan Rathnayake got two wickets (2/11), while Eshan Malinga (1/16) and Wanindu Hasaranga (1/31) managed one wicket each, but those battles weren’t enough for the Lankans.

In the league stage of the T20I tri-series tournament, which had a double round-robin system between the hosts Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe, the hosts finished as the table toppers with six points in four matches. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka finished in the second position with four points in four games, and Zimbabwe earned two points in four games. Pakistan lost only one match in the entire tournament, which was in the last game of the league stage against Sri Lanka, where the Lankans won by six runs to secure their place in the Final of the tournament. 

In the must-win game, Sri Lanka claimed a thrilling victory against the hosts Pakistan to reach the Final of the T20I tri-series. 

After Pakistan chose to field first, Sri Lanka scored 184/5 in 20 overs. Despite losing early wickets, the hosts Pakistan strongly returned to the game. While Pakistan needed 10 runs in the final over to win the match, which would eliminate Sri Lanka from the tournament as Pakistan would face Zimbabwe in the Final, Lankan right-arm fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera successfully defended and secured a six-run win.

See Also: 'Aur banao documentry..' - Fans react as Sahibzada Farhan dismissed for 9 in PAK vs SL Match 6 of Pakistan T20I Tri series 2025

Kamil Mishara scored 76 runs

Although the opener Pathum Nissanka (8) was dismissed early, another opener Kamil Mishara and wicketkeeper-batter Kusal Mendis provided a strong start with a 66-run partnership for the second wicket. After Mendis was dismissed for 40 off 23 balls (six fours and one six), Kusal Perera lost his wicket for only four runs. 

However, Mishara and Janith Liyanage built up another solid partnership of a 57-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Before losing his wicket in the 17th over, Mishara scored 76 off 48 balls with the help of six fours and three sixes. 

Janith scored run-a-ball 24 and captain Dasun Shanka scored 17 off 10 balls, as Sri Lanka managed the 180+ total. 

Among Pakistan bowlers, Abrar Ahmed was the only bowler with more than wicket, as he had the bowling figures of 4-0-28-2.

Pakistan captain fought till end but Dushmantha Chameera ended as hero

In reply, Pakistan lost their four wickets before the end of the powerplay. While the skipper Salman Agha controlled the innings later, he got some good supports from Usman Khan and Mohammad Nawaz, as the hosts finally made a comeback in the game, While Khan scored 33 off 23 balls (two fours and two sixes), Nawaz scored 27 off 16 balls (one four and two sixes). 

With 12 runs in the 19th over, Pakistan required only 10 runs in the final over to win the match. Dushmantha Chameera, who already got three wickets, bowled brilliantly in the final over, as he conceded only three runs, while dismissing Faheem Ashraf (7) to secure the victory to reach the Final. Pakistan skipper Salman scored 63 not out off 44 balls with four fours and three sixes, while Chameera won the Player of the Match award for his match-winning bowling figures of 4-0-20-4.  

Just five days after hammering a career-best unbeaten 80 against Sri Lanka, Sahibzada Farhan walked out with confidence in Match 6 of the Pakistan T20I Tri-Series 2025 in Rawalpindi. But this time, the script flipped dramatically. The in-form opener managed just 9 off 7 balls, falling to a sharp delivery from Dushmantha Chameera, triggering a wave of reactions across social media.

Pakistan, chasing Sri Lanka’s competitive 184/5, were rocked early at 29/1, with fans quick to remind Farhan of his earlier heroics, and equally quick to express their frustration. Memes and sarcastic posts flooded timelines, with the phrase “Aur banao documentary..” trending among disappointed supporters. The comment referenced the hype that followed Farhan’s match-winning knock last week, which had catapulted him into the spotlight.

Sri Lanka, playing for a spot in the final, showed far more discipline with the ball this time. Chameera’s fiery two-over spell (3 wickets for just 3 runs) dismantled Pakistan’s top order, claiming Farhan, Babar Azam (0), and Fakhar Zaman (1) in a devastating burst.

Farhan’s early exit sparks fan backlash as Pakistan stumble in high-stakes chase

Despite the early collapse at 43/4, Pakistan stayed afloat through Usman Khan’s counterattacking 33 off 22 and skipper Salman Agha’s steady 23 off 21, but the pressure of chasing close to 10 an over kept mounting. Farhan’s dismissal, however, remained the talking point, largely because of the contrast with his recent brilliance. 

For Sri Lanka, the wicket was huge. For Pakistan fans, it was a reality check. Sri Lanka’s batting earlier was powered by a superb 76 off 48 by Kamil Mishara and a rapid 40 off 23 from Kusal Mendis, taking them to a strong 184. Pakistan’s bowlers, except Abrar Ahmed (2/28) and Salman Mirza (1/29), struggled for consistency.

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With a place in the final on the line, the stakes were already high, and Farhan’s early exit only intensified the drama. Whether this dismissal proves to be a blip or the start of a form dip will be known soon enough, but for now, fans have made their verdict clear in typical Twitter fashion.

🚨Wicket Loss

Dushmantha Chameera to Sahibzada Farhan, OUT!

c Janith Liyanage b Dushmantha Chameera.#SportsSide | #TriNationSeries | #PakistanCricket | #CricketKiJeet | #PAKvSL pic.twitter.com/3Rxvp7s5aq

— Sports Side (@TheSportsSide1) November 27, 2025

🏏 PAK vs SL Highlight 🏏

🔥 Edge & taken!
Maheesh Theekshana strikes — Sahibzada Farhan departs! 🎯

PAK - 29/1 (3.4 Overs)

Pakistan need 156 runs#PAKvsSL #PAKvSL #T20I

— Gully Point (@gullypoint_) November 27, 2025

Pakistan lose their first wicket.

Sahibzada Farhan departs for just 9.#PAKvSL #PakistanCricket pic.twitter.com/bJse32gKky

— Ramzy 🇵🇰🇬🇧 (@Ramz_004) November 27, 2025

Pakistani Bowlers must take wicket of Opener Mishara who has made 39 runs in 24 balls. He is a dangerous player. SL score at the moment is 96/2. Ten overs are bowled. This means that if their wickets will not fall they can give target around 200 runs to Pakistani Team. #PAKvSL

— Syed Khalid Mahmood (@SyedKhalidMah12) November 27, 2025

On November 11, a brutal terrorist attack occurred in Islamabad which led to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) taking proactive measures by officially announcing the alterations to the ongoing series against Sri Lanka, comprising One Day Internationals (ODIs) and the T20I tri-nation series involving Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe. The tour, however, has been made possible under a new schedule and different locations thanks to the consensus of PCB and Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), which was born out of the security issue.

Pakistan vs Sri Lanka ODIs Rescheduled

The second and third ODIs of the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka series now stand each one day later than initially planned. Matches that were originally to take place on November 13 and 15, are now rescheduled to November 14 and 16. Both games will be played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

Revised ODI Schedule

The new playing dates are part of an enhanced security plan after the blast, which raised the concern of the Sri Lankan players and staff touring India.

Tri-Nation T20I Series Change of Start Date

Moreover, the PCB has also revised the schedule for the T20I tri-series. The tournament, which was originally planned to start on November 17, has now been pushed back to the 18th, when the first match will be played between Pakistan and Zimbabwe.

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Besides this, the other important aspect is that the whole tri-series will be played in Rawalpindi only, unlike the earlier plan of moving some games to Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore besides Rawalpindi. The security situation dictated this choice.

Revised Tri-Series Schedule

Sri Lanka Confirms Tour Will Continue

SLC in a press release was very clear that the tour will proceed as planned after the discussions with PCB. Nevertheless, Sri Lanka has given the option to each player who is not feeling comfortable in the situation to go back home, and if needed, the replacements are already available.

Although the terror attack has caused a disturbance, both boards have not changed their minds about the series being finished without any problems and in a secured environment.

Sri Lanka are all set to return to international cricket this month with a tour of Pakistan that includes a three-match ODI series and a T20I tri-series also featuring Zimbabwe. The Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) selectors have named 16-member squads for both formats, with Charith Asalanka taking charge as captain in what will be his first full assignment as skipper across formats.

Asalanka to lead a refreshed Sri Lankan side

The selectors have shown confidence in 27-year-old Charith Asalanka, who has been one of the team’s most reliable middle-order batters in recent years. His calm leadership and consistent form have earned him the responsibility to guide a young Sri Lankan side in both the ODIs and T20Is.

There have been a few forced changes in the squad due to injuries. Left-arm pacer Dilshan Madushanka, a key bowler in recent months, has been ruled out with a knee injury, paving the way for Eshan Malinga to make the ODI squad. Meanwhile, Matheesha Pathirana, who was originally included in the T20I side, has been sidelined as he recovers from an upper respiratory tract infection, with Asitha Fernando replacing him.

Crucial preparation ahead of T20 World Cup

The tour will not only mark Sri Lanka’s return to action but will also serve as valuable preparation ahead of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. The upcoming matches will give the selectors a closer look at emerging talents such as Kamil Mishara, Janith Liyanage, and Pavan Rathnayake, who are pushing for permanent places in the white-ball setup.

All-rounders Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana will provide the spin firepower, while Dushmantha Chameera and Asitha Fernando will lead the pace attack.

Pakistan and Zimbabwe to provide strong competition

Pakistan come into the series on the back of a busy home season, having drawn their ODI series against South Africa and won the T20Is 2–1. They also recently reached the Asia Cup final after defeating Sri Lanka in the Super Fours, so the hosts will be full of confidence.

Zimbabwe, meanwhile, have been showing signs of resurgence with their younger squad and will be eager to challenge both subcontinent giants in the tri-series.

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Full Schedule: Sri Lanka tour of Pakistan & T20I Tri-Series

Sri Lanka squads

ODI Squad:
Charith Asalanka (C), Pathum Nissanka, Lahiru Udara, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Pavan Rathnayake, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Dushmantha Chameera, Asitha Fernando, Pramod Madushan, Eshan Malinga.

T20I Squad:
Charith Asalanka (C), Dasun Shanaka (VC), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Kamil Mishara, Kamindu Mendis, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushan Hemantha, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara, Asitha Fernando, Eshan Malinga.

Pakistan have announced their squads for the upcoming white-ball series against South Africa at home. The same T20I squad will also play in the tri-nation series featuring Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe.

Pakistan Announce Squads for South Africa Series and Tri-Nation T20I Series

Shaheen Shah Afridi will captain the ODI side, while Salman Ali Agha takes charge of the T20I team. Babar Azam returns to the T20I setup after a break, and Naseem Shah also makes his comeback.

🚨 BABAR AZAM MAKES A COMEBACK 🚨

- Babar Azam has been named in Pakistan’s T20I squad for the South Africa series and Tri-Series. ✅ pic.twitter.com/xxiy5YhFpf

— Sheri. (@CallMeSheri1_) October 23, 2025

New faces Abdul Samad and Usman Tariq have been included, while Mohammad Haris, Haris Rauf, Fakhar Zaman, and Sufiyan Muqeem have missed out. In the ODI squad, Haseebullah Khan earns a spot after strong performances in domestic cricket.

Pakistan ODI Squad:
Shaheen Shah Afridi (C), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Faisal Akram, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah Khan, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha.

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Pakistan T20I Squad (for South Africa and Tri-Nation Series):
Salman Ali Agha (C), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan, Usman Tariq.

International cricket in Pakistan is experiencing a resurgence, but Karachi, one of the country’s most historic cricketing centers, has been left out of the upcoming home fixtures. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) recently confirmed that the South Africa tour of Pakistan and the T20I tri-series involving Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Sri Lanka will be played in Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Faisalabad, with no matches scheduled for Karachi.

This decision has sparked debate among supporters and analysts alike, as Karachi has long been associated with Pakistan's cricketing history. The National Stadium has witnessed several of the country's earliest games. In recent times, however, Karachi has seen a surplus of international cricket. There are multiple reasons for the PCB's decision. 

First, safety. Pakistan has done well to revive international cricket after what was basically a 10-year hiatus, but it is still a bitter subject for the people of Karachi to dive into the idea of any past terrorist incidents that have tarnished their history. Security is often at the forefront of any board or player's mind, so it is possible that the PCB leaned toward other venues that were thought to be better to host visiting crews.

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Karachi misses out as PCB shifts matches to other cities

Another data point could be that Karachi, while it has hosted PSL matches, both presentation views and fan attendance have raised concerns over the stadium, and surprisingly, in the attendance of fans. For example, Lahore and Rawalpindi have nearly always been more populated. Presently, Rawalpindi boasts a better-looking stadium. In comparison with both venues, upon any venue selection, it makes total sense for international scheduling.

Moreover, the PCB is seemingly considering a grander plan to expand cricket across Pakistan. The PCBs need to allocate fixtures in different cities is valuable because fans are able to see those players live in many regions of the country, which strengthens not only the game but the cricketing culture of many regions. Faisalabad is important because it shows that PCB is looking to put smaller cities back on the international cricket map.

That said, Karachi has not been forgotten. Earlier in the calendar year, Karachi successfully hosted matches in the ICC Champions Trophy in February 2025. However, the absence of Karachi to host matches in two larger series later in the calendar year shows that the cricketing calendar is changing, and two larger series occurred away from Karachi.

For Karachi's passionate cricket community, the hope remains for Karachi to once again return as a regular host of international fixtures and have the world’s best teams return to play matches at the historic ground.

As reported on September 7, 2025, Pakistan is going to host a T20I tri-nation series against Sri Lanka and Afghanistan from November 17 to 29, 2025. It promises to be exciting with three competitive teams playing the fast-paced game of cricket.

Venues and Schedule

During the tri-nation series, games will take place at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium and Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. Rawalpindi will host the initial matches, while more matches will be played in Lahore, with the highly anticipated finals match being played there.

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Here is the full schedule for the T20I tri-nation series:

Format of the Competition

The tri-series will be a round-robin format where each side will play against the other twice. The top two teams will then meet in the final on November 29 in Lahore. All of this guarantees a series with plenty of high-impact matches before the final.

Confirmed- Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan to participate in a Tri-Series from November 17th to 29 in Pakistan 🇵🇰. pic.twitter.com/4AVjJ6HkjV

— Nibraz Ramzan (@nibraz88cricket) September 7, 2025

The tri-series will take place directly after the UAE T20I Tri-Series (Pakistan vs Afghanistan), which concluded at the beginning of September 2025. Sri Lanka was not part of that series, which makes including Sri Lanka in Pakistan an exciting and new concept. The tri-series format creates balance among the three sides and ensures that there are new conflicts to watch.

This tri-series is going to provide the fans with a festival of T20 cricket in late 2025. To add to that, Pakistan has proven strong home form, Afghanistan has ruthless hitting, and Sri Lanka has tactical experience. Along with great entertainment for the fans, international and regional ties will be strengthened.

All in all, cricket lovers are sitting on treats for tons of T20 action as Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the UAE will vie in a tri-nation T20I series at Sharjah from 29 August to 7 September 2025. The series is a crucial precursor to the Asia Cup T20 2025 and the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka.

Why This Series Matters

This tri-series would be perfect for teams to test their combinations, adapt to conditions in the UAE, and build some momentum with the Asia Cup barely days away and ahead of the T20 World Cup.

Pakistan Cricket Board first scheduled a bilateral series between Afghanistan and Pakistan, but plans evolved into a tri-series with the UAE joining as hosts so that all three teams get meaningful exposure before the two big tournaments.

Full Schedule – T20I Tri-Series 2025

• All matches at Sharjah Cricket Stadium

Context & Build-Up

• Pakistan is currently involved in a T20I series against the West Indies and will be eager to bounce back after a recent 2-1 series defeat to Bangladesh.
  
• Afghanistan return to T20I cricket for the first time since December 2024, when they edged past Zimbabwe in a tight 2-1 series.
  
• UAE, meanwhile, comes into the tournament high on confidence after upsetting Bangladesh in a historic home series win in May.
  

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T20I Head-to-Head – Pakistan vs Afghanistan at Sharjah

The opening game between Pakistan and Afghanistan promises fireworks, as the two teams have developed a fierce rivalry in recent years.

Eyes on the Asia Cup

The ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 will begin on 9 September, just two days after the tri-series final, making this series crucial for selection decisions and tactical preparation.

Asia Cup 2025 – Group Stage Draw

Key matches:

• 9 Sept: Afghanistan vs Hong Kong (Opening game)
  
• 12 Sept: Pakistan vs Oman
  
• 14 Sept: Pakistan vs India – Blockbuster clash
  

With three hungry teams, a balanced format, and familiar conditions, the tri-series in Sharjah is more than just a warm-up, it’s a dress rehearsal for continental and global glory. Expect high-octane cricket, emerging stars, and critical answers for selectors as the road to the T20 World Cup heats up.