The Proteas will be pleased with their draw for the 2027 Cricket World Cup on home soil. South Africa avoided several of the tournament’s strongest teams in the opening group stage.
Proteas handed manageable opening group
South Africa will compete in Group B alongside New Zealand, Sri Lanka, England, Bangladesh and a qualifier.
The Proteas will begin their campaign against New Zealand at Newlands on 9 October. It will be an important opening fixture as South Africa looks to make a strong start.
Meanwhile, Group A features several major cricketing nations. India, defending champions Australia, Pakistan and Afghanistan will compete alongside Zimbabwe and another qualifier.
The top three teams from each group will advance to the Super 7 stage. In addition, the best fourth-placed team across both groups will also qualify.
Road to the semi-finals
The Super 7 stage will determine the four teams that reach the semi-finals. Those matches will take place in Cape Town on 17 November and Centurion on 18 November.
The tournament final will follow at the Wanderers in Johannesburg on 21 November. As a result, South Africa could potentially play a significant knockout fixture on home soil.
The tournament will also feature a major opening clash. India and Australia will meet in Cape Town on 7 October, repeating the 2023 World Cup final.
World Cup spreads across three countries
A total of 12 venues will host matches during the competition. South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia will jointly stage the World Cup.
In South Africa, matches will take place in Cape Town, Paarl, Johannesburg, Tshwane, Bloemfontein, Durban, KuGompo City and Gqeberha.
Zimbabwe will host games in Harare, Bulawayo and Victoria Falls. Meanwhile, Namibia will welcome teams to Windhoek.
With several matches taking place at home, the Proteas will have the opportunity to benefit from familiar conditions and strong local support.
