England have avoided defending champions Australia and world number one-ranked side India in the group-stage draw for the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. The draw put Harry Brook’s side in a group that includes co-hosts South Africa, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, New Zealand and a qualifier.
Five countries sit in the same group as India and Pakistan, including Australia, Afghanistan, Zimbabwe and a qualifier, while England’s own group holds five nations of its own.
England begin their campaign against Bangladesh on 8 October, followed by Sri Lanka on 13 October in Windhoek, Namibia. They then face South Africa in Gqeberha on 16 October before travelling to Harare to face a qualifier on 20 October. They round off the group stage against New Zealand in Gqeberha on 23 October.
The visit to Zimbabwe is significant. England have not played there since 2004, when political unrest under the regime of former president Robert Mugabe caused problems for England’s men’s team throughout the 2000s.
The English team withdrew from their match against Zimbabwe in Harare during the 2003 World Cup, and that choice ended up derailing their entire campaign. Since then, relations have gotten better, and BBC Sport reported in 2025 that the two cricket boards were having talks about a possible England tour of the country in the next round of international cricket, which runs from 2027 to 2031.
The tournament group stage opens with a repeat of the 2023 final when India and Australia face each other in Cape Town on 7 October. Arch-rivals India and Pakistan, who do not play each other outside tournaments, will meet in Johannesburg on 10 October.
Two groups produce a top-three ranking along with the best team placed fourth, and those four then move forward into the Super 7 stage. Once there, the top four teams secure spots in the semi-finals, set for 17 and 18 November, ahead of the final on 21 November in Johannesburg.
The Two Groups
Here is how the two groups stack up:
- Group 1: India, Pakistan, Australia, Afghanistan, Zimbabwe, a qualifier
- Group 2: England, South Africa, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, a qualifier
The key fixtures for England are:
- 8 October: England vs Bangladesh (Windhoek, Namibia)
- 13 October: England vs Sri Lanka (Windhoek, Namibia)
- 16 October: England vs South Africa (Gqeberha)
- 20 October: England vs a qualifier (Harare)
- 23 October: England vs New Zealand (Gqeberha)
The Qualifier Wild Card
Each group carries a qualifier that adds an additional layer of doubt, and that qualifier will have to fight for its position.
A Harder Draw Than Expected
England have enjoyed a resurgence in the 50-over format. Their opening fixtures against Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in Windhoek will set the tone for the tournament.
Zimbabwe holds a special place for England’s cricket team because they have not visited since 2004, and the journey there comes with added significance.
What Comes Next
India and Australia kick off the competition on 7 October in Cape Town, with the semi-finals scheduled for 17 and 18 November. The winner will be decided on 21 November in Johannesburg.
Bangladesh kick off the competition against England on 8 October. The schedule then pairs England against Sri Lanka, South Africa, a qualifier and New Zealand over the following fortnight.
England have been handed an opportunity by the draw. Taking it will hinge on their approach to the qualifier, their showing against South Africa, and their management of the travel between Windhoek, Gqeberha and Harare.
Key Facts Box
- Final: 21 November in Johannesburg
- Semi-finals: 17 and 18 November
- Last England tour of Zimbabwe: 2004
- Last England World Cup win: 2019
- Last meeting of India and Australia: 2023 final in Cape Town
The way forward for England is plain to see, yet the obstacle standing in its path remains formidable. The test of skill and nerve now begins.
Source material: “England avoid Australia & India in World Cup draw,” the BBC.
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