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Live sport on SN this weekendBlackcaps face South Africa in ICC World Cup opener
Ian Chadband, AAP • October 2nd, 2026 7:15 am
Rachin Ravindra and Devon Conway at McLean Park | Photo: Kerry Marshall/Photosport
Australia will launch their defence of the cricket World Cup in South Africa next year with a blockbusting opener against India, the powerhouse outfit they defeated to win the crown in 2023.
As the fixtures for the 2027 event in southern Africa were unveiled on Thursday, Pat Cummins' side learned they'll take on the title favourites and world No. 1 side on October 7 in their first match in Cape Town.
Both teams will also feature in a potentially explosive group A with Pakistan, setting up a potentially tension-filled preliminary clash between the two great feuding Asian rivals.
The India-Pakistan clash will take place at Johannesburg amid the famed 'Bullring' atmosphere of the Wanderers ground just three days after the Australia match, and that venue will also stage the final on November 21.
Also in Australia's group will be co-hosts Zimbabwe, who they've just beaten 3-0 in an ODI series at the same Harare venue, as well as Afghanistan and one of two qualifiers yet to be decided.
Their last group fixture will be against Pakistan at Paarl, where Australia will also play the qualifying side.
The other group looks potentially even more challenging with co-hosts South Africa, desperately seeking their first men's World Cup, facing England, New Zealand, Sri Lanka and another qualifier.
The best four sides will then go on to the semi-finals, which will both be hosted in South Africa.
2027 Cricket World Cup groups
Group A: Afghanistan, Australia, India, Pakistan, Zimbabwe, Qualifier A.
Group B: Bangladesh, England, New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Qualifier B.
New Zealand's 2027 World Cup schedule
October 9: Blackcaps vs South Africa at Newlands, Cape Town - first ball 11.30pm
October 12: Blackcaps vs Bangladesh at Buffalo Park, KuGompo City - first ball 11.30pm
October 17: Blackcaps vs Qualifier B at Harare Sports Club, Harare - first ball 11.30pm
October 20: Blackcaps vs Sri Lanka at The Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg - first ball 9pm
October 23: Blackcaps vs England at St George's Park, Gqeberha - first ball 9pm
All times are NZT.
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