Zimbabwe Under-19s were left frustrated after their opening Group C match of the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026 against Scotland Under-19s was abandoned without a ball being bowled at Takashinga Cricket Club in Highfield on Thursday.
Persistent rainfall in Harare throughout the week left conditions around the pitch unsuitable for play and, after several inspections, match officials decided to call off the contest.
The decision denied players and fans the chance to witness Zimbabwe’s first appearance at the global youth tournament on home soil.
As a result, both teams shared the points, getting one each.
Zimbabwe is co-hosting the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026 alongside Namibia, running from 15 January to 6 February.
Takashinga Cricket Club is one of the key venues for the competition, hosting seven group-stage matches.
Despite the abandonment, Zimbabwe were encouraged by the strong local support that arrived early, reflecting the growing interest in youth cricket and the excitement of hosting a World Cup at home.
The hosts now turn their focus to a challenging Group C encounter against England Under-19s on Sunday, 18 January, again at Takashinga.
Zimbabwe will conclude their group-stage campaign against Pakistan Under-19s on Thursday, 22 January, in what is expected to be another high-intensity fixture at the same venue.
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