Archive · 2 Oct 2026
India Plans Six ODIs Against South Africa Before World Cup
India is expected to play South Africa in six one-day cricket matches before the 2027 World Cup.
The games would be played in South Africa.
Some of the planned venues will also host World Cup matches.
This could help Indian players learn how the pitches and conditions behave.
The 2027 World Cup will take place in South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe.
India will begin its tournament against Australia on October 7, 2027.
India will then play Pakistan, Afghanistan, a qualifying team and Zimbabwe.
Australia beat India in the 2023 World Cup final, so the opening match will be an important rematch.
India is expected to play a six-match ODI series against South Africa before the 2027 Cricket World Cup.
The reported series is planned for venues including Centurion, Cape Town and Johannesburg.
The matches would give India practice in South African conditions and at venues hosting World Cup games.
The 2027 World Cup will be held in South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe, with the schedule officially announced by the International Cricket Council.
India is scheduled to open its World Cup campaign against defending champions Australia in Cape Town on October 7, 2027.
- Who
- India and South Africa are expected to play the reported bilateral ODI series; India will also face Australia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, a qualifying team and Zimbabwe at the World Cup.
- What
- India is expected to tour South Africa for a six-match ODI series ahead of the 2027 Cricket World Cup.
- When
- The series is planned before the 2027 World Cup, whose schedule begins for India on October 7, 2027; the article does not specify the series dates.
- Where
- The reported series will include Centurion, Cape Town and Johannesburg in South Africa. The World Cup will be held in South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe.
- Why
- The series is intended to provide India with match practice in South African conditions and at venues that will host World Cup matches.
- Reported series
- Six ODIs between India and South Africa
- Purpose
- Preparation for the 2027 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup
- Reported venues
- Centurion, Cape Town and Johannesburg
- World Cup hosts
- South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe
- India's opener
- Australia on October 7, 2027, in Cape Town
- Other group opponents listed
- Pakistan, Afghanistan, a qualifying team and Zimbabwe
- Previous final
- Australia defeated India in the 2023 World Cup final