Rain Washes Out Zimbabwe U19 Opener

16 January 2026

By Andile Vundla

Zimbabwe Under-19s were left disappointed after their opening Group C match of the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup against Scotland was abandoned without a ball being bowled in Harare.

Persistent rain throughout the week left the pitch at Takashinga Cricket Club unplayable, and after several inspections, officials called off the match. Both teams were forced to share the points.

The washout denied players and fans the chance to see Zimbabwe’s first World Cup appearance on home soil, though organisers were encouraged by strong early support from local spectators.

Zimbabwe is co-hosting the tournament with Namibia, running until the sixth of February. Takashinga Cricket Club is one of the main venues, hosting several group matches.

The hosts now shift focus to a tough clash against England Under-19s on Sunday, before rounding off their group campaign against Pakistan next Thursday.

Elsewhere, India and the West Indies managed wins on a rain-affected opening day, as Zimbabwe’s wait for World Cup action continues.

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