The ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026 kicks off this Thursday, with co-hosts Zimbabwe and Namibia hosting three exciting opening fixtures across the two nations.
Zimbabwe will begin their Group C campaign against Scotland at Takashinga Cricket Club in Harare, aiming to make a strong impression on home soil. Led by captain Simbarashe Mudzengerere, the Young Chevrons boast a well-balanced squad that combines experience and form. Key players include the Blignaut twins, Kian and Michael, alongside medium-pacer Shelton Mazvitorera, who turned heads with an 11-wicket haul in a recent tri-series.
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Scotland, meanwhile, are chasing their first group-stage win at an Under-19 World Cup since 2014. History, however, favours the hosts, with Zimbabwe winning three of the last four meetings between the two sides.
Elsewhere on the opening day, five-time champions India will take on the United States in a Group B clash at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. Under the leadership of Ayush Mhatre, India enter the tournament with a strong lineup in both batting and bowling, featuring standout player Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. The United States will look to challenge the favourites with an aggressive, fearless approach.
The day’s action concludes in Windhoek, where debutants Tanzania face 2016 champions West Indies. Tanzania arrive on the back of solid recent form, winning three of their last five matches, while West Indies have suffered only one defeat over the same period.
At the end of the group stage, the top three teams from each pool will advance to the Super Six round, with the two leading sides from each Super Six group moving on to the semi-finals.
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