ZIMBABWE’S Under-19 cricket team, the Young Chevrons, has stepped up preparations ahead of the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup, which begins on January 15, with Zimbabwe co-hosting the tournament alongside Namibia.
As the New Year begins, the Young Chevrons are sharpening their form through competitive international fixtures as they gear up for the global showpiece, which runs until February 6.
Zimbabwe will host matches in Harare and Bulawayo, with Harare Sports Club, Takashinga Cricket Club, and Queens Sports Club confirmed as the country’s designated venues.
Harare Sports Club will host both the semi-finals and the final, while Takashinga Cricket Club will stage Zimbabwe’s group matches. Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo is currently undergoing refurbishment, with final touches also being applied at Takashinga.
Recently, the Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Lieutenant General (Retired) Anselem Sanyatwe, toured the venues and expressed confidence that preparations for the tournament are progressing well.
On the field, the Young Chevrons are gaining valuable match exposure through a Youth One-Day International tri-nation series involving Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Zimbabwe secured a 19-run victory over Afghanistan on Wednesday, finishing top of the group and booking a place in the final against Pakistan, scheduled for Friday.
The ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup will feature 16 teams competing in 41 matches, with eight teams playing their fixtures in Zimbabwe and the remaining eight hosted by Namibia.
Zimbabwe will open their campaign against Scotland before facing England on January 18 and Pakistan on January 22, as they look to make a strong impression on home soil.
