Cricket World Cup schedule revealed: Black Caps to open tournament against England

Ben Stokes dives to make his ground during the 2019 Cricket World Cup final. Photosport

A century of days from the start of the men’s 50-over Cricket World Cup and an official draw has finally emerged.

The Black Caps will open the tournament in Ahmedabad against England on October 5 in a repeat of the 2019 final. The Black Caps haven’t played England in an ODI since the Lord’s final which was decided by a Super Over countback. They will clash in a four-match series in England a month before the World Cup.

The Black Caps will then face Qualifier 1 in Hyderabad, with that team to be decided in the next week following the Qualifying tournament in Zimbabwe. Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, West Indies, Netherlands, Scotland and Oman are currently playing off for the final two spots.

Tom Latham’s side then have two matches in Chennai against Bangladesh and Afghanistan before a brutal back-to-back against hosts India and Australia, both in Dharamsala.

The October 28 clash against Australia could be a big day for New Zealand sports fans. The game is set to finish around 2am on October 29, with the Rugby World Cup final kicking off at 8am.

The Black Caps finish the round robin matches against South Africa (Pune), Pakistan (Bengaluru) and Qualifier 2 (Bengaluru).

The 132,000 capacity stadium in Ahmedabad will also host India and Pakistan on October 15 and Australia and England on November 4.

The tournament retains the round-robin format of last time with all teams playing against each other for a total of 45 league matches. There are six day matches in the tournament starting at 6pm NZT, with the Black Caps playing in three of them. All other matches, including the knockouts, will be day-night fixtures starting at 9.30pm NZT.

The top four teams will qualify for the semifinals to be played in Mumbai on 15 November and in Kolkata on 16 November. The semi-finals and the final will have reserve days.

“It’s really exciting to be on the cusp of another ODI World Cup. It’s always a great event and has so much history,” said Black Caps paceman Matt Henry.

“We all grew up watching the ODI World Cup and I feel really fortunate to be preparing for a third tournament.

“It’s fair to say the 2019 World Cup in England will linger in the memory for a while. It was an amazing tournament with so many highlights and obviously a pretty dramatic finish.

“Heading to India for such a pinnacle event should be an experience like no other and one all teams will be looking forward to immensely.”

Black Caps World Cup schedule

Thursday October 5

Black Caps v England, 9.30pm, Ahmedabad

Monday October 9

Black Caps v Qualifier 1, 9.30pm, Hyderabad

Saturday October 14

Black Caps v Bangladesh, 6pm, Chennai

Wednesday October 18

Black Caps v Afghanistan, 9.30pm, Chennai

Sunday October 22

Black Caps v India, 9.30pm, Dharamsala

Saturday October 28

Black Caps v Australia, 6pm, Dharamsala

Wednesday November 1

Black Caps v South Africa, 9.30pm, Pune

Saturday November 4

Black Caps v Pakistan, 6pm, Bengaluru

Thursday November 9

Black Caps v Qualifier 2, 9.30pm, Bengaluru

Wednesday November 15

Semifinal 1, Mumbai

Thursday November 16

Semifinal 2, Kolkata

Sunday November 19

World Cup final, Ahmedabad