Pakistan’s Under-19 cricket team is set to open its ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup 2026 campaign today against England at the Takashinga Sports Club in Harare.
The Asian champions arrive in Zimbabwe full of confidence after a dominant run in recent tournaments, including a 191-run victory over India in the ACC Under-19 Asia Cup in Dubai. Pakistan also defeated hosts Zimbabwe by nine wickets in a tri-series, showcasing their form ahead of the World Cup.
With two previous Under-19 World Cup titles, in 2004 and 2006, Pakistan are aiming to lift the trophy for the third time. The 16-team tournament will be held across Namibia and Zimbabwe from January 15 to February 6, with Pakistan placed in Group C alongside England, Scotland, and hosts Zimbabwe.
Following today’s opener against England, Pakistan will face Scotland on January 19 and conclude their group stage with a clash against Zimbabwe on January 22, all at Takashinga Sports Club. The Super Six stage runs from January 24 to February 1 in Bulawayo and Harare, leading into semi-finals on February 3 and 4, with the final scheduled for February 6 at Harare Sports Club.
Captain Farhan Yousuf praised the team’s six-month training camp in Multan, saying it helped build the “synergy” among the squad. He added that warm-up matches in Zimbabwe, including a 69-run win over the United States after a rain-affected game against Bangladesh, gave the team valuable experience in local conditions.
The 15-member Pakistan squad for the World Cup includes: Farhan Yousuf (captain), Usman Khan (vice-captain), Abdul Subhan, Ahmed Hussain, Ali Hassan Baloch, Ali Raza, Daniyal Ali Khan, Hamza Zahoor (wk), Huzaifa Ahsan, Momin Qamar, Muhammad Siam, Muhammad Shayan (wk), Niqab Shafiq, Sameer Minhas, and Umar Zeb.
Ali Raza is the only squad member with prior World Cup experience, having taken nine wickets in the 2024 edition, where Pakistan narrowly lost to Australia in the semi-finals.
With strong momentum from recent victories and a well-prepared squad, Pakistan will look to start their 2026 campaign on a winning note against England.
Pakistan’s Under-19 World Cup Schedule:
Jan 16: Pakistan vs England – Takashinga Sports Club, Harare
Jan 19: Pakistan vs Scotland – Takashinga Sports Club, Harare
Jan 22: Pakistan vs Zimbabwe – Takashinga Sports Club, Harare
Jan 24–Feb 1: Super Six Stage – Bulawayo & Harare
Feb 3: Semi-final 1 – Queen’s Sports Club, Bulawayo
Feb 4: Semi-final 2 – Harare Sports Club
Feb 6: Final – Harare Sports Club
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