Johannesburg to Stage Final and India-Pakistan Clash
Johannesburg will host the final of the 2027 Cricket World Cup on Nov. 21, as well as a highly anticipated group-stage match between India and Pakistan on Oct. 10. The International Cricket Council announced the full schedule on Thursday, confirming that 12 venues across South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe will stage matches in the tournament. The India-Pakistan fixture is traditionally one of the most watched games in world cricket, and its allocation to Johannesburg highlights the city's central role in the event.[S1]
The tournament will feature 12 teams divided into two groups. Group A comprises defending champion Australia, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Zimbabwe and a qualifier. Group B includes New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka, England, Bangladesh and another qualifier. The two qualifiers will be determined after a 10-team tournament early next year, with the winner advancing directly to the group stage. The losing finalist and the two losing semifinalists will then compete in a Super Series in Namibia, with the winner securing the second qualifying spot.[S1]
Group Stage Opens in Cape Town; Super 7 Format Explained
The group stage begins on Oct. 7 in Cape Town, where Australia will take on India in a repeat of the 2023 World Cup final. Newlands in Cape Town, known for its iconic mountain backdrop, will also host a semifinal on Nov. 17. The second semifinal is scheduled for Nov. 18 at Centurion's SuperSport Park. After the group stage, the top three teams from each group will advance to the Super 7 stage, along with the best fourth-place side across the two groups. The ICC has pre-seeded certain teams into designated positions for the Super 7 stage to provide clarity for fans, teams and stakeholders, regardless of where they finish in the group stage. For example, India and New Zealand are pre-seeded as A1 and B1 respectively in their groups.[S1]
England will play two group games in Namibia, while a newly built Victoria Falls ground in Zimbabwe will host the final group-stage match between the co-host and India on Oct. 24. The same venue will also host three additional Super 7 matches. The top four teams after the Super 7 phase will advance to the semifinals, with the top finisher playing the fourth-place team and the second and third-placed teams facing each other in the other semifinal. ICC chairman Jay Shah said that South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia will provide an unforgettable stage for the world's best teams, combining a deep passion for cricket, extraordinary destinations and a renowned warmth of welcome.[S1]
