Harare: The Pakistan Under-19 cricket team, fresh off their victory in the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup, is set to begin their tri-series campaign against Afghanistan on Saturday at the Harare Sports Club. This series, which also features hosts Zimbabwe, offers a crucial platform for preparation ahead of the ICC Men’s U19 World Cup.
Having recently secured a commanding 191-run win over India in the final of the Asia Cup in Dubai, Pakistan enters the tri-series with momentum. The team is scheduled to play a minimum of four matches, starting with their opener against Afghanistan. Subsequent matches include facing Zimbabwe on December 29 and another encounter with Afghanistan on January 2.
The tri-series will conclude with the top two teams competing in the final on January 6. This tournament serves as a preparatory ground for the U19 World Cup, set to take place in Namibia and Zimbabwe from January 15 to February 6.
Pakistan’s captain, Farhan Yousaf, emphasized the importance of the tri-series for team preparation. “The conditions here are similar and will be beneficial for our World Cup preparations,” he stated, highlighting the competitive nature of the tournament.
The Pakistani squad, comprising 15 players including captain Farhan Yousaf and vice-captain Usman Khan, had their first training session on Friday. The team aims to utilize this series to fine-tune strategies and combinations for the upcoming World Cup.
Pakistan’s World Cup fixtures include matches against England, Scotland, and Zimbabwe, all scheduled to be held in Harare. The tournament will progress to the Super Six stage before culminating in the semi-finals and final in early February.
As the tri-series unfolds, Pakistan will be looking to replicate their recent success and build a strong foundation for their World Cup campaign.