Zimbabwe to Host South Africa and Bangladesh in Under-19 Tri-Series Ahead of ICC U19 World Cup 2026

With preparations intensifying for the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026, Zimbabwe is set to host a highly competitive triangular one-day international (ODI) series later this month. The series will feature Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Bangladesh Under-19 sides, offering crucial international match experience as the teams gear up for the global tournament.

Scheduled to run from 25 July to 10 August, the tri-series will be held at two prominent venues in Harare — the Sunrise Sports Club and the Harare Sports Club. The format includes nine round-robin matches followed by a final, with each team facing the others multiple times to ensure a rigorous and competitive environment.

The series opener will see Zimbabwe Under-19s take on South Africa Under-19s on 25 July at Sunrise Sports Club, followed by a clash between South Africa and Bangladesh the next day. Action will then move to Harare Sports Club from 28 July, beginning with a key fixture between Zimbabwe and Bangladesh. The top two teams at the end of the round-robin stage will contest the final on 10 August.

Zimbabwe Cricket Managing Director Givemore Makoni highlighted the significance of hosting the tournament, describing it as a vital step in building a strong national youth side ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

“We are delighted to be hosting this competitive triangular series as part of our build-up to the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026,” Makoni said. “It presents a golden opportunity for our youngsters to gain valuable match experience and test themselves against strong opposition in South Africa and Bangladesh.”

Elton Chigumbura, Head Coach of the Zimbabwe Under-19s, shared similar enthusiasm and emphasized the developmental impact of the series.

“This is a fantastic chance for us to gauge our players’ readiness. We’ve been working hard in training, but nothing compares to the intensity of international competition,” said Chigumbura. “These matches will expose the boys to high-pressure situations, and that’s exactly what we need as we build toward the World Cup. Our aim is not just to compete but to win the tri-series.”

Chigumbura further expressed confidence in the squad’s preparation, citing months of dedicated training and talent development. He believes the experience will be a critical building block in shaping a team capable of making a mark on the global stage.

As anticipation builds, the upcoming tri-series is expected to offer thrilling action and a valuable testing ground for Zimbabwe’s emerging cricketing talent. Fans can look forward to seeing future stars in action as the country plays host to a key tournament on the road to the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026.