India will begin their 2027 ICC Men’s ODI World Cup campaign with a high-profile clash against defending champions Australia at Newlands Stadium in Cape Town on October 7, the International Cricket Council announced on Thursday.
The 2023 World Cup finalists will then face Pakistan in their second Group A match on October 10. India have been placed in Group A alongside Australia, Pakistan, co-hosts Zimbabwe, Afghanistan and one team that will qualify for the tournament. Group B comprises England, co-hosts South Africa, New Zealand, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and the second qualifier.
India’s group-stage schedule will continue with a match against Afghanistan in Tshwane on October 14, followed by a fixture against the first qualifier in Bloemfontein on October 17. Their final group match is against co-hosts Zimbabwe on October 24.
The tournament will move into the Super 7s stage from October 25 after the completion of the group matches. The three highest-placed teams from each group, along with the best-performing fourth-placed team, will advance to the next round. For the tournament draw, India have been designated A1, with Australia as A2 and Pakistan as A3.