New Zealand

New Zealand at CWC 2027

New Zealand are drawn in Group B with England, Bangladesh, co-hosts South Africa, Sri Lanka and one qualifier still to be determined. They are thrown straight in against the hosts.

Date	Opponent	Venue	Start (local)
Sat 9 Oct	South Africa	Newlands, Cape Town	12:30 (day/night)
Tue 12 Oct	Bangladesh	Buffalo Park, KuGompo City (East London)	12:30 (day/night)
Sun 17 Oct	Group B qualifier (TBC)	Harare Sports Club	12:30 (day/night)
Wed 20 Oct	Sri Lanka	Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg	10:00
Sat 23 Oct	England	St George’s Park, Gqeberha	10:00

A Saturday night opener against South Africa at Newlands, under Table Mountain, is one of the marquee fixtures of the first week. The group finale against England in Gqeberha brings the inevitable reminders of 2019.

World Cup history

New Zealand have a strong claim to be the most consistent side never to have won the World Cup. They have reached the semi-finals many times and played in back-to-back finals: in 2015 they lost to Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, and in 2019 they were beaten by England at Lord’s in a final that finished level after a super over. Their record shows a team that routinely outperforms expectations at global events.

Conditions in southern Africa

New Zealand’s seamers are used to bowling in conditions that offer lateral movement, and coastal venues such as Cape Town, East London and Gqeberha, often breezy, may give them something to work with. The Wanderers is a different proposition: at altitude, with a fast outfield and true bounce, it can produce big totals. Three day/night games mean dealing with changing conditions under lights, and adapting quickly from coast to Highveld to Harare will be important.

Travelling fans

Most fans from New Zealand will need at least one connection, typically via Australia (Sydney or Perth to Johannesburg) or through Gulf or Asian hubs. Check routes and fares early, as journey times can vary a lot.

The time difference is large. During the group stage the hosts (UTC+2) are 11 hours behind New Zealand Daylight Time, so a 12:30 day/night start in Cape Town is 23:30 back home, and morning starts at 10:00 begin at 21:00 in New Zealand.

Each host nation has its own entry requirements, so check the official government immigration websites before booking. Our visa guide has links and pointers, and the tickets guide explains how sales work.