Defending ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup champions Pakistan will begin their tri-series campaign against Afghanistan on Saturday, 27 December at the Harare Sports Club in Harare.
Pakistan arrive in Zimbabwe with confidence after clinching the eight-team ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup in Dubai, where they defeated India by 191 runs in the final on 21 December. The green shirts will play at least four matches in the 50-over tri-series, which also includes hosts Zimbabwe.
Pakistan will face Zimbabwe at the Prince Edward School Ground in Harare on 29 December, followed by their second encounter against Afghanistan at the Sunrise Sports Club on 2 January. Their final league match will be against Zimbabwe on Sunday, 4 January.
The top two teams at the end of the league stage will qualify for the final, scheduled for Tuesday, 6 January.
Preparation for U19 World Cup
The tri-series serves as a crucial preparation platform for the ICC Men’s U19 World Cup, set to be played across Namibia and Zimbabwe from 15 January to 6 February. Pakistan have been placed in Group C and will play their group-stage matches in Harare from 16 to 22 January.
The Super Six stage will run from 25 January to 1 February, followed by the semi-finals on 3 and 4 February. The final of the 16-team tournament will be held at the Harare Sports Club on 6 February.
Captain Confident Ahead of Series
Pakistan held their first training session on Friday ahead of the tri-series opener. Speaking to PCB Digital, captain Farhan Yousaf expressed optimism about the team’s preparations.
“The Asia Cup was a big confidence booster for us. The players showed great morale and intensity,” he said. “Everyone is confident and excited as we move into the tri-series.”
He added that the series would be vital in finalising team combinations ahead of the World Cup.
“The conditions here are quite similar to those we will face during the World Cup, so this tournament will be very beneficial. Both Afghanistan and Zimbabwe are strong, competitive teams, and we respect every opponent. We are looking forward to a highly competitive event.”
