The dates and fixtures for the 2021 edition of the T20 World Cup have been announced. The tournament will be hosted by Oman, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.
The opening match will be played on Sunday, 17 October. The final will be played on Sunday, 14 November.
South Africa’s first match will be against Australia on 23 October in Abu Dhabi. This will be followed by fixtures against the West Indies, two qualifying teams and England.
The Proteas remain in pursuit of a maiden T20 World Cup title. They reached the semi-finals in 2009 and 2014, when the tournament was called the World Twenty20.
SA’s 2021 T20 World Cup fixtures
- 23 October: South Africa v Australia, Abu Dhabi
- 26 October: South Africa v West Indies, Dubai
- 30 October: South Africa v qualifying team, Sharjah
- 2 November: South Africa v qualifying team, Abu Dhabi
- 6 November: South Africa v England, Sharjah
“The 2021 T20 World Cup is of vital importance to the Proteas and South Africa as a nation,” said Proteas limited-overs captain Temba Bavuma.
“Not only is the T20 format a key part of Cricket South Africa’s strategy to introduce new fans to the game of cricket, but this tournament will also be the first of three opportunities for us to claim our first ever ICC World Cup trophy.
“The group that we are in is an exciting one and we’re looking forward to facing off with everyone in it as we go about our mission to reach the final and the ultimate championship.
“We have an exciting team that we are building with a lot of raw talent, coupled with the experienced hands that will guide and lead the youngsters.”
The West Indies are the reigning champions and the most successful team in the history of the tournament. They have two titles.
The T20 World Cup has not been played since 2016.