England avoid Australia & India in World Cup draw

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.

India and Pakistan are, once again, placed in the same group, alongside Australia, Afghanistan, Zimbabwe and a qualifier.

England, who won the trophy in 2019, are in the same group as co-hosts South Africa, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, New Zealand and a qualifier.

Harry Brook's side, who have enjoyed a resurgence in the 50-over format, begin their campaign against Bangladesh on 8 October, and Sri Lanka on 13 October in Windhoek, Namibia.

They will come up against South Africa in Gqeberha on 16 October before travelling to Harare to face a qualifier on 20 October. They round off the group stage when they face New Zealand, again in Gqeberha, on 23 October.

The visit to Zimbabwe is significant, with England having not played there since 2004.

Political unrest in Zimbabwe under the regime of former president Robert Mugabe caused problems for England's men's team throughout the 2000s.

England boycotted their fixture against Zimbabwe in Harare at the 2003 World Cup - a decision which ultimately derailed their campaign.

Relations have improved in recent years, however, and BBC Sport reported in 2025 that the two cricket boards were discussing a potential England tour of the country in the next cycle of international cricket between 2027 and 2031.

After three matches to decide the final two qualifiers, the tournament group stage will open 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.

The top three, plus the best fourth-placed finisher, from the two groups progress to the Super 7 stage.

From there, the top four teams will qualify for the semi-finals, which are scheduled for 17 and 18 November, before the final on 21 November in Johannesburg.

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