England set for Zimbabwe return at 2027 ODI World Cup after 23 years

The 2027 ODI World Cup draw has placed England in Group B alongside Bangladesh, South Africa, Sri Lanka, New Zealand and a qualifier, with the tournament running from October 4 to November 21 2027 across South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

England's group schedule includes a fixture in Harare on October 20 2027, their fourth group match, against the qualifier from their group. That game will be the senior men's side's first on Zimbabwean soil since an ODI tour in November-December 2004, a gap of 23 years.

Zimbabwe have been placed in Group A alongside India, Australia, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Qualifier A. The two sides are in opposing groups and cannot meet before the Super 7 phase.

What does England's group draw mean for their path through the tournament?

England's Group B placement means they will not face India, the tournament favourites, or Australia, the defending champions, during the group stage. Both sides are in Group A, and England can only meet them from the Super 7 phase onwards.

Within Group B, England face Bangladesh, South Africa, Sri Lanka and New Zealand, all of whom qualify directly for the tournament. Their fifth group opponent will be determined by the World Cup Qualifiers, scheduled for February-March 2027 in South Africa and Namibia. Twelve teams, including West Indies, Ireland, Scotland, Netherlands and Nepal, are competing for two remaining spots in the tournament.

England's Harare fixture against the qualifier carries added significance given the history between the two nations. England boycotted their 2003 World Cup group match against Zimbabwe, with captain Nasser Hussain citing political pressure and death threats as the reasons. The two sides did meet at an ICC event in September 2007, when England beat Zimbabwe by 50 runs in Cape Town during the inaugural World T20, but that remains their only such encounter since the boycott.

How have England and Zimbabwe's cricketing ties developed in recent years?

England and Zimbabwe resumed bilateral cricket relations in May 2025, when Zimbabwe toured England for a one-off Test at Trent Bridge. That was their first Test fixture in 22 years and marked a significant step in restoring the relationship between the two boards.

England's senior men's side had not played in Zimbabwe since the 2004 ODI tour. However, England's Under-19 side did travel to Zimbabwe in February 2026 for the Under-19 World Cup, which included a final against India, giving the younger generation experience of conditions in the country.

The 2027 World Cup fixture in Harare will therefore be the senior men's team's first competitive match in Zimbabwe in over two decades. The qualifier they face on October 20 2027 will be confirmed once the February-March 2027 qualifying tournament concludes in South Africa and Namibia.