The three host nations of the ICC Men's ODI World Cup 2027, Zimbabwe, South Africa and Namibia will take part in a historic T20I tri-series later this month. The tournament will begin on August 28 in Windhoek, Namibia and is being seen as an important step towards next year's World Cup.
The tri-series will also lay the foundation for the launch of the Africa Cup which is a new continental tournament that is expected to begin in 2027.
A First For African Cricket
The series is being organised to bring the three neighbouring countries together through regular international cricket while building excitement for the ODI World Cup 2027 which will return to Africa after 24 years.
Africa Cricket Association Chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani said the tournament marks the beginning of a new era for cricket on the continent.
World Cup Countdown Begins
Cricket South Africa CEO Pholetsi Moseki said that the series highlights the country's commitment to helping cricket grow across Africa while creating excitement ahead of the World Cup.
Cricket Namibia CEO Johan Muller thanked both South Africa and Zimbabwe for supporting the initiative and said it reflects the strong partnership between the three cricket boards.
The ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2027 will be held in October and November across South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. It will be the first time that Namibia hosts matches in a senior ICC World Cup, after successfully hosting the ICC Men's Under-19 Cricket World Cup earlier this year.
Recently, the ICC confirmed 12 venues across the three countries for the tournament.
Tri-series schedule
August 28: South Africa vs Namibia
August 29: South Africa vs Zimbabwe
August 31: Zimbabwe vs Namibia
September 1: Zimbabwe vs South Africa
September 3: Namibia vs Zimbabwe
September 4: Namibia vs South Africa
September 6: Final (Top two teams)
The tri-series is expected to give all three teams valuable match practice and strengthen cricket ties in the region before they welcome the world's biggest ODI tournament next year.
