South Africa’s home summer of 2026–27 is shaping up to be one of its busiest and most competitive in recent years, with Bangladesh set to tour the country for a full all-format series in November as part of a packed international calendar announced by Cricket South Africa (CSA).
CSA on Tuesday unveiled the Proteas men’s international fixtures for the 2026–27 home season, confirming that Test cricket and One-Day Internationals (ODIs) will headline a summer featuring three major cricketing nations—Australia, Bangladesh and England.
Bangladesh tour to follow Australia series
The home season will begin with a multi-format tour by Australia, starting with a three-match ODI series from September 24 to 30. Bangladesh will then arrive for an all-format tour, with the red-ball series taking centre stage first.
The two-Test series against Bangladesh will be played on the Highveld, beginning at the DP World Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg from November 15 to 19. The second Test will follow at SuperSport Park in Centurion from November 23 to 27.
The tour will then move into the white-ball phase. A three-match ODI series is scheduled from December 1 to 7, with matches in East London, Gqeberha and Cape Town, giving fans across different regions an opportunity to watch the Proteas in action.
The T20 International series will conclude the Bangladesh tour, with three matches across Kimberley, Benoni and Centurion from December 10 to 13.
Kimberley Oval returns to international action
CSA confirmed that Kimberley Oval will host one of the T20Is, noting that the venue remains ICC-accredited. The ground had previously undergone maintenance after the relocation of a Proteas Women’s fixture, allowing necessary repairs to be completed ahead of the return of international men’s cricket.
Cricket administrators see the spread of venues as part of a broader effort to take international cricket beyond traditional centres while ensuring facilities meet international standards.
CSA highlights importance of Bangladesh series
CSA Chief Executive Officer Pholetsi Moseki said the upcoming season reflects South Africa’s ambition to host top-level cricket while strengthening performance across formats.
“We are really looking forward to welcoming three strong cricketing nations in Australia, Bangladesh and England,” Moseki said while announcing the fixtures in Johannesburg on Tuesday. “These tours will undoubtedly draw fans from across the country to our stadiums. We anticipate a vibrant and competitive summer that celebrates the very best of international cricket in South Africa.”
He stressed that the Bangladesh series, particularly the Tests and ODIs, will play a key role in South Africa’s broader strategic goals.
Focus on World Test Championship and 2027 World Cup
Moseki said the 2026–27 season carries added significance for South Africa’s Test side, which is competing in the new cycle of the ICC World Test Championship.
“Next season carries significant importance for both our Test and ODI teams,” he said. “We have made a promising start to the new World Test Championship cycle, including a hard-fought 1–1 series draw against Pakistan and an impressive 2–0 victory over India. It is important that we continue to build on that momentum and strengthen our position on the WTC table.”
On the limited-overs front, the ODI series against Bangladesh will form part of South Africa’s preparation for a major global event on home soil.
“Every ODI series from here forms part of our preparation for hosting the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in 2027,” Moseki added. “We are not only proud hosts, but a team determined to compete strongly on home soil.”
Bangladesh face demanding overseas challenge
For Bangladesh, the all-format tour presents a demanding challenge in familiar but tough South African conditions, particularly on the Highveld where pace and bounce traditionally test visiting batters. The spread of formats and venues will offer Bangladesh’s squads valuable exposure as they continue to build depth across red-ball and white-ball cricket.
The series is also expected to attract significant interest from Bangladeshi fans living in South Africa and beyond, adding to the atmosphere around the matches.
South Africa v Bangladesh: Full Schedule
Test Series
1st Test: November 15–19, 2026 – DP World Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg
2nd Test: November 23–27, 2026 – SuperSport Park, Centurion
ODI Series
1st ODI: December 1, 2026 – Buffalo Park Cricket Stadium, East London
2nd ODI: December 4, 2026 – Dafabet St George’s Park, Gqeberha
3rd ODI: December 7, 2026 – World Sports Betting Newlands Cricket Ground, Cape Town
T20I Series
1st T20I: December 10, 2026 – Kimberley Oval, Kimberley
2nd T20I: December 12, 2026 – Willowmoore Park, Benoni
3rd T20I: December 13, 2026 – SuperSport Park, Centurion
With Australia and England also visiting later in the summer, CSA officials believe the Bangladesh tour will be a crucial piece of a season designed to test South Africa’s squads, engage fans nationwide, and lay the groundwork for future global tournaments.
