England vs South Africa to Kick Start World Cup on May 30

The three-time finalists will have another shot at winning the 50-over quadrennial global competition as they open the 2019 World Cup against South Africa at the Oval on May 30.

Cricket News: South Africa and the hosts England will face each other in the opening game of World Cup

The tournament consists of 10 teams and the matches will be played over 11 venues in a round-robin format like the 1992 World Cup.

India has earlier faced their arch-rivals in the opening game of the 2015 World Cup and 2017 Champions Trophy. But in the 2019 edition they will take on South Africa first on June 5 in Southampton.

The much awaited Indo-Pak clash will be played on Sunday (June 16) at Old Trafford in Manchester. Apart from the marquee match, the ground will host Australia-South Africa game and a semi-final. Lord’s will host the other semi-final on July 14.

The other awaited clash is the clash between the two finalists from the previous edition, the Trans-Tasman rivalry, between Australia and New Zealand on June 29. There will be 48 matches played across 46 days.

ICC Chief Executive David Richardson said: “It’s always an exciting moment ahead of any major event to announce the schedule and for the ICC Cricket World Cup. Next summer fans around the world will be treated to compelling and competitive cricket as the best teams in the world go head to head in this round robin format for the right to be crowned World Champions.

“This schedule also gives fans across England and Wales the opportunity to watch world-class cricket on their doorstep with all teams moving around the country. We know from previous ICC events that every country will be proudly supported at each of the venues creating an exceptional atmosphere and a real celebration of the game.”