2027 Cricket World Cup: Proteas to open campaign against New Zealand at Newlands

South Africa will begin their 2027 Men’s Cricket World Cup campaign against New Zealand at Newlands in Cape Town, as Southern Africa prepares to host cricket’s biggest ODI tournament.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially launched the countdown to the tournament, which will be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia from 2 October to 21 November 2027.

Under the banner “Three Nations, One Heartbeat”, the 14-team World Cup will feature 57 matches across 12 venues.

South Africa will host matches at eight venues, with three venues in Zimbabwe and one in Namibia.

Australia and India to open World Cup at Newlands

The tournament will open with defending champions Australia facing 2023 finalists India at Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town on 7 October.

The action continues on 8 October, when Afghanistan face Pakistan in Centurion and England take on Bangladesh in Windhoek.

Zimbabwe will make their World Cup return after a 12-year absence when they play Qualifier-A in Bulawayo on 9 October.

South Africa will also begin their campaign against New Zealand at Newlands.

India and Pakistan meet at the Wanderers

One of the tournament’s biggest fixtures will arrive during the opening weekend.

India and Pakistan will renew their rivalry at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on 10 October.

ICC Chairman Jay Shah said the release of the schedule and opening of the ticket ballot represented important steps towards the tournament.

“The announcement of the schedule and opening of the ticket ballot are major milestones on the road to the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027, bringing fans one step closer to a spectacular celebration of cricket across the three nations.”

Where will the 2027 Cricket World Cup be played?

The tournament will be spread across Southern Africa, with eight South African venues, three in Zimbabwe and one in Namibia.

Victoria Falls will also feature, with Zimbabwe set to host India at the Mosi-oa-Tunya Stadium.

The semi-finals will take place in Cape Town and Tshwane on 17 and 18 November.

Johannesburg will then host the 2027 Men’s Cricket World Cup final on 21 November.

Trevor Manuel, chairperson of the LOC Board, said the three host countries were preparing to welcome international fans.

“South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia are ready to welcome the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup and supporters from around the world back to our continent.”

2027 Men’s Cricket World Cup groups

Group A: Australia, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Zimbabwe, Qualifier

Group B: England, South Africa, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Qualifier

With South Africa opening against New Zealand at Newlands, India and Pakistan meeting at the Wanderers and the final heading to Johannesburg, some of the tournament’s biggest fixtures will be played on South African soil.

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