International Cricket Council (ICC) on Thursday announced the schedule for the 2027 ODI World Cup, which is slated to begin on 7th October, with the final on 21st November in Johannesburg. The first game of the tournament is between India and Australia in Cape Town.
After taking on Australia, the Men in Blue will face Pakistan on 10th October at the Bullring in Joburg. Both teams have met eight times in this tournament, with India winning all the games.
The two-time world champions will take on Afghanistan on 14th October. India’s next game is against the qualifying side on 17th October and the final league game against co-hosts Zimbabwe on 21st October.
According to the new format, top three sides from each group will make it to the Super 7 stage. The fourth team across both groups will be the seventh side in the next round.
If Pakistan finish fourth in the group and have a better win/loss record and net run-rate compared to the 4th-placed side from the other group, then they will make it to the Super 7 stage.
In this scenario, the IND vs PAK game could happen again on 7th November in Cape Town.
India’s other potential opponents could be Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, England, and Sri Lanka. The top four teams will make it to the semi-finals to be played on 17th and 18th November, respectively.
IND vs PAK knockout match loading?
The third game between the two arch-rivals could happen in the knockout phase of the tournament, provided both sides go past the Super 7 stage. Three India vs Pakistan encounters in a single tournament will increase ICC revenue. This is also the last time that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will be part of an ICC event, with both looking to end their India careers on a high.