The Pakistan U19 cricket team is gearing up for an exciting seven-match ODI tri-series against Afghanistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from November 13 to 26. The series, hosted by the UAE, will serve as a crucial preparatory event for the upcoming ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2024, scheduled for December. The exact dates for the Asia Cup are yet to be announced.
Series Overview
The tri-series will commence on November 13 with a match between Pakistan U19 and hosts UAE U19. The format involves each team playing the others twice, culminating in a final on November 26. The top two teams from the round-robin stage will progress to the final, making every match crucial for securing a spot in the decider.
Schedule
- November 13 — Pakistan vs UAE
- November 15 — Afghanistan vs Pakistan
- November 17 — UAE vs Afghanistan
- November 19 — Pakistan vs Afghanistan
- November 21 — Afghanistan vs UAE
- November 23 — UAE vs Pakistan
- November 26 — Final
Preparation for the Asia Cup
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has emphasized that this tri-series is strategically scheduled to prepare the team for the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup. The series will provide young players with the opportunity to gain valuable match experience and showcase their skills on an international platform. To further aid in their preparation, the PCB has planned additional domestic competitions, including a National U19 Cup in the 50-over format and a three-day Championship event in October. These events aim to give players a chance to impress selectors and secure their place in the final squad for the tri-series.
Statements from PCB and ECB
Usman Wahla, PCB’s Director International, expressed his enthusiasm about the series, highlighting its significance for the development of young players. “We are delighted that the Pakistan Men’s U19 team will participate in a highly competitive U19 tri-series in the UAE just before the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup. This will be a great opportunity for the young players to grow and nurture their skills,” Wahla stated.
He also extended gratitude to the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) for their collaboration in organizing the series, underscoring the strong bilateral ties between the two boards. “The PCB is thankful to the Emirates Cricket Board for arranging this tri-series which also shows strong bilateral ties between both the Boards and our shared commitment towards developing young players,” Wahla added.
Importance of the Tri-Series
This tri-series is more than just a series of matches; it is a platform for young cricketers to gain exposure and experience in competitive international cricket. For the Pakistan U19 team, this is an opportunity to test their mettle against strong opponents in Afghanistan and UAE. The series will allow the players to adapt to different playing conditions and refine their strategies and skills ahead of the Asia Cup.
For the coaching staff and selectors, the tri-series will be a critical period to evaluate the players’ performances and make informed decisions about the final squad for the Asia Cup. Players who perform well in the tri-series will not only bolster their chances of being selected for the Asia Cup but also make a strong case for their future inclusion in the senior national team.
The upcoming U19 tri-series in the UAE is set to be a pivotal event for the Pakistan U19 cricket team. With a well-structured schedule and the backing of both the PCB and ECB, the series promises to provide a competitive environment for the young cricketers to develop and showcase their talents. As the teams prepare to face off, cricket fans can look forward to an exciting series that will lay the groundwork for the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup later this year. This initiative not only highlights the commitment of the cricket boards to nurturing young talent but also strengthens the sporting ties between Pakistan and the UAE.
