Former Australia captain Aaron Finch has predicted four semi-finalists for the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. He backed the 2023 finalists, India and Australia, alongside co-hosts South Africa and an England side led by Harry Brook, leaving out Pakistan and New Zealand.
The 14th edition of the ODI World Cup, featuring 14 teams, will be played from October 2 to November 21, 2027, with South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia sharing hosting duties. Notably, South Africa last hosted the ODI World Cup in 2003, alongside Zimbabwe and Kenya.
Aaron Finch Predicts England to Reach 2027 World Cup Semi-Finals
In a video shared by the ICC on Instagram, Aaron Finch highlighted England’s aggressive approach under Harry Brook and their ability to handle spin during the middle overs. He believes their destructive batting makes them strong contenders for a semi-final spot.
“I think the way that England are playing their cricket at the moment under Harry Brook, they’ve got a side that has the ability to play spin really well through the middle overs. They’re quite aggressive and destructive. Harry Brook is arguably one of the best players in the world in that format,” Aaron Finch said.
Aaron Finch Backs South Africa to Challenge in Home Conditions
Aaron Finch ignored Pakistan and New Zealand, two teams that have regularly challenged for places in the latter stages of major ICC tournaments. He also backed India and Australia, who contested the 2023 World Cup final, to remain among the leading contenders for the next edition.
Finch also highlighted South Africa’s balance as a key strength ahead of the tournament. The Proteas will have the advantage of playing in familiar conditions, while their pace attack, spin options and mix of young and experienced batters could make them difficult to beat.
“South Africa, in their home conditions, have a lot of bases covered. They’ve got great quicks, very good spin, and their batting has a great mix of youth and experience. They’ve got that freedom as well, so they’ll be dangerous. And, of course, Australia,” he added.
South Africa reached the semi-finals of the 2023 World Cup but lost to eventual champions Australia in Kolkata. England, meanwhile, endured a disappointing title defence, finishing seventh in the group stage.
India reached the 2023 final after winning all nine of their group-stage matches and their semi-final, but lost to Australia in the title clash. Australia will enter the 2027 tournament as defending champions, while India will look to go one step further in the next edition.
ICC Announces Format And Schedule For 2027 World Cup
The tournament will begin on October 2 in Windhoek, Namibia, with a three-team Super Series to determine the final participant in the group stage. The 12 qualified teams will then be divided into two groups of six, with the main group stage starting in Cape Town on October 7.
Defending champions Australia will face India in the opening group-stage match. Both teams are in Group B and will meet again on October 16 at St George’s Park in Gqeberha. Co-hosts South Africa and Zimbabwe will begin their campaigns on October 9 and 11, respectively.
The top three teams from each group will progress directly to the Super Seven phase, while the best-performing fourth-placed team will claim the remaining spot. The Super Seven stage will begin at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on October 25.
Notably, the semi-finals are scheduled for November 17 at Newlands Cricket Ground and November 18 at Centurion Park. The tournament will conclude with the final at the Wanderers Stadium on November 21.
