ODI World Cup 2027 hosts South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia to play historic T20I tri-series

Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe, the trio designated to co-host the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2027, will compete in a landmark T20I tri-series which is slated to get underway from August 28 in Windhoek. The tri-series serves as a stepping stone toward the inauguration of the Africa Cup next year.

Namibia to host South Africa, Zimbabwe for tri-series

This series provides an early preview of international action ahead of the flagship 50-over event, which returns to African soil for the first time in nearly a quarter-century. Scheduled for October and November 2027, the World Cup will span 12 newly confirmed venues distributed across all three organising nations.

While South Africa and Zimbabwe previously shared hosting duties during the 2003 edition, Namibia will be making its debut as a senior World Cup host, building on its recent experience managing the ICC Men's Under-19 Cricket World Cup earlier this year.

Schedule for T20I tri-series between Zimbabwe, Namibia, South Africa:

28 August: South Africa v Namibia
29 August: South Africa v Zimbabwe
31 August: Zimbabwe v Namibia
1 September: Zimbabwe v South Africa
3 September: Namibia v Zimbabwe
4 September: Namibia v South Africa 
6 September: Final (top two teams)

Following the tri-series, the South African squad will extend its stay in Namibia for a three-match One-Day International series against the host nation's FNB Eagles. The 50-over leg kicks off on September 9, followed by the second fixture on September 11, and concludes with the series finale on September 13.

Every fixture across both the T20I tri-series and the subsequent ODI series will take place at the newly established Namibia Cricket Ground, a dual-venue complex that opened its doors last year.

Schedule for Namibia vs South Africa ODI series:

Namibia vs The Proteas ODI, 9 Sept, 09:30, FNB NCG
Namibia vs The Proteas ODI, 11 Sept, 09:30, FNB NCG
Namibia vs The Proteas ODI, 13 Sept, 09:30, FNB NCG