Champs set for India World Cup final rematch in 2027

Ian Chadband | October 2, 2026

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.

AUSTRALIA’S 2027 WORLD CUP SCHEDULE

Thursday 7 October: (Cape Town, South Africa) v India

Tuesday 12 October: (Paarl, South Africa) v Qualifier

Friday 15 October :(Harare, Zimbabwe) v Zimbabwe

Monday 18 October (KuGompo City, South Africa) v Afghanistan

Friday 22 October (Paarl, South Africa) v Pakistan