Staff Reporter
NAMIBIA is set to host several matches of the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup, which kicks off on 15 January 2026 across Zimbabwe and Namibia. The tournament, running until 6 February, will feature 16 international teams competing for the prestigious youth cricket title.
As part of the celebrations, Windhoek will host a city parade on 14 January at 12:30, starting from Old Grill Addicts to Ausspannplatz Circle (I ❤️ Windhoek sign). Fans are encouraged to bring flags, vuvuzelas, pom-poms, and cheer for world-class cricket on Namibian soil.
Namibia will host 16 matches at two Windhoek venues, the Namibia Cricket Ground and High Performance Oval, with top teams advancing through group stages to the Super Six stage. Key fixtures include matches featuring West Indies, South Africa, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Japan, and Australia. The tournament format ensures the top three teams from each group advance, with points and net run rate carried into the Super Six stage.
The ICC U19 World Cup, now in its 16th edition, sees defending champions Australia seeking a fifth title, while India holds four, and Pakistan, West Indies, South Africa, Bangladesh, and England also have past victories.
Namibia’s involvement underscores the country’s growing role in hosting international cricket events, offering local fans a chance to witness emerging talent from around the globe.
ICC U19 World Cup 2026 Schedule (All matches start 09:30 local time)
Thursday, January 15 – Match 1 – United States U19 vs India U19 – Group B – Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo.
Thursday, January 15 – Match 2 – Zimbabwe U19 vs Scotland U19 – Group C – Takashinga Sports Club, Harare.
Thursday, January 15 – Match 3 – Tanzania U19 vs West Indies U19 – Group D – High Performance Oval, Windhoek.
Friday, January 16 – Match 4 – Pakistan U19 vs England U19 – Group C – Takashinga Sports Club, Harare.
Friday, January 16 – Match 5 – Australia U19 vs Ireland U19 – Group A – Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek.
Friday, January 16 – Match6 – Afghanistan U19 vs South Africa U19 – Group D – High Performance Oval, Windhoek.
Saturday, January 17 – Match 7 – India U19 vs Bangladesh U19 – Group B – Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo.
Saturday, January 17 – Match 8 – Japan U19 vs Sri Lanka U19 – Group A – Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek.
Sunday, January 18 – Match 9 – New Zealand U19 vs United States U19 – Group B – Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo.
Sunday, January 18 – Match 10 – England U19 vs Zimbabwe U19 – Group C – Takashinga Sports Club, Harare.
Sunday, January 18 – Match 11 – West Indies U19 vs Afghanistan U19 – Group D – High Performance Oval, Windhoek.
Monday, January 19 – Match 12 – Pakistan U19 vs Scotland U19 – Group C – Takashinga Sports Club, Harare.
Monday, January 19 – Match 13 – Sri Lanka U19 vs Ireland U19 – Group A – Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek.
Monday, January 19 – Match 14 – South Africa U19 vs Tanzania U19 – Group D – High Performance Oval, Windhoek.
Tuesday, January 20 – Match 15 – Bangladesh U19 vs New Zealand U19 – Group B – Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo.
Tuesday, January 20 – Match 16 – Australia U19 vs Japan U19 – Group A – Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek.
Wednesday, January 21 – Match 17 – England U19 vs Scotland U19 – Group C – Takashinga Sports Club, Harare.
Wednesday, January 21 – Match 18 – Afghanistan U19 vs Tanzania U19 – Group D – High Performance Oval, Windhoek.
Thursday, January 22 – Match 19 – Zimbabwe U19 vs Pakistan U19 – Group C – Takashinga Sports Club, Harare.
Thursday, January 22 – Match 20 – Ireland U19 vs Japan U19 – Group A – Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek.
Thursday, January 22 – Match 21 – West Indies U19 vs South Africa U19 – Group D – High Performance Oval, Windhoek.
Friday, January 23 – Match 22 – Bangladesh U19 vs United States U19 – Group B – Takashinga Sports Club, Harare.
Friday, January 23 – Match 23 – Sri Lanka U19 vs Australia U19 – Group A – Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek.
Saturday, January 24 – Match 24 – India U19 vs New Zealand U19 – Group B – Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo.
