Story by Anashe Murombedzi
THE ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026 begins this Thursday, with co-hosts Zimbabwe and Namibia staging three opening fixtures across the two countries.
Zimbabwe launch their Group C campaign against Scotland at Takashinga Cricket Club in Harare, as the Young Chevrons look to make a strong start on home soil.
Captained by Simbarashe Mudzengerere, Zimbabwe enter the tournament with a well-balanced squad that blends depth and form. The side includes the Blignaut twins, Kian and Michael, alongside medium-pacer Shelton Mazvitorera, who impressed in the recent tri-series with an 11-wicket haul.
Scotland arrive seeking a breakthrough group-stage victory, having not won a match at this stage of the tournament since 2014. However, history favours the hosts, with Zimbabwe winning three of the last four encounters between the two sides.
Elsewhere on the opening day, five-time champions India face the United States in a Group B match at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. India, led by Ayush Mhatre, boast considerable strength in both batting and bowling, with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi among their key players. The USA, meanwhile, will be aiming to challenge the favourites with an aggressive and fearless approach.
The final fixture of the day will be played in Windhoek, where tournament debutants Tanzania take on 2016 champions West Indies. Tanzania come into the contest on the back of solid form, having won three of their last five matches, while West Indies have suffered just one defeat over the same period.
At the end of the group stage, the top three teams from each pool will progress to the Super Six round, with the leading two sides from each Super Six group advancing to the semi-finals.
