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England v South Africa – Fixtures, Results and 2026/27 Tour

Freddie George Morgan Harrison • 2026-04-04 • Reviewed by Daniel Mercer

The England and South Africa cricket rivalry continues through 2025 and into 2027 with a packed international schedule spanning both nations. Recent one-day matches in England concluded in September 2025, while a significant Test and ODI tour to South Africa awaits in December 2026 and January 2027.

Cricket South Africa and the England and Wales Cricket Board have confirmed the fixtures for the upcoming tour, which includes traditional Boxing Day and New Year’s Test matches. The series represents a crucial part of the international cricket calendar, with both teams preparing for these encounters across multiple formats.

England v South Africa Cricket Fixtures

2025 South Africa Tour of England

Completed white-ball series featuring three ODIs and two T20Is.

2026/27 Test Series

Three Tests starting December 17, 2026, including Boxing Day and New Year fixtures.

2026/27 ODI Series

Three matches in Paarl and Bloemfontein from January 10-15, 2027.

Key Venues

Headingley, Lord’s, Rose Bowl, Wanderers, Centurion, Newlands.

Key insights:

  • South Africa claimed the 2025 ODI series 2-1 despite England’s 342-run victory in the final match at Southampton.
  • The T20I series concluded with one match abandoned, leaving the series split 1-1.
  • England’s 2026/27 tour opens at Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg on December 17.
  • The Boxing Day Test takes place at SuperSport Park, Centurion from December 26-30.
  • Newlands Cricket Ground hosts the New Year’s Test from January 3-7, 2027.
  • Three ODIs follow at Boland Park and Manguang Oval between January 10-15, 2027.

Complete fixture list:

Match Date Venue Format Status
1st ODI 2025 Sep 2 Headingley, Leeds ODI SA won by 7 wickets
2nd ODI 2025 Sep 4 Lord’s, London ODI SA won by 5 runs
3rd ODI 2025 Sep 7 Rose Bowl, Southampton ODI Eng won by 342 runs
1st T20I 2025 Sep 10 Sophia Gardens, Cardiff T20I SA won by 14 runs (DLS)
2nd T20I 2025 Sep 12 Old Trafford, Manchester T20I Eng won by 146 runs
3rd T20I 2025 Sep 14 Trent Bridge, Nottingham T20I Cancelled
1st Test 2026/27 Dec 17-21, 2026 Wanderers, Johannesburg Test Scheduled
2nd Test 2026/27 Dec 26-30, 2026 SuperSport Park, Centurion Test Scheduled
3rd Test 2026/27 Jan 3-7, 2027 Newlands, Cape Town Test Scheduled
1st ODI 2026/27 Jan 10, 2027 Boland Park, Paarl ODI Scheduled
2nd ODI 2026/27 Jan 13, 2027 Manguang Oval, Bloemfontein ODI Scheduled
3rd ODI 2026/27 Jan 15, 2027 Manguang Oval, Bloemfontein ODI Scheduled

England v South Africa Live Score and Scorecard

Real-time updates for England v South Africa fixtures are available through official broadcast partners and cricket data providers. ESPNcricinfo maintains comprehensive scorecards for the 2025 series, including ball-by-ball commentary and player statistics.

The 2025 ODI series saw varying results reflected in the scorecards. South Africa secured victories by seven wickets at Headingley and five runs at Lord’s, while England responded with a dominant 342-run margin at the Rose Bowl. The T20I series concluded with South Africa winning the opener at Cardiff by 14 runs under the DLS method, followed by England’s 146-run victory at Old Trafford.

Accessing Match Data

Scorecards provide detailed breakdowns of batting partnerships, bowling figures, and fielding statistics. For the 2026/27 tour, live scoring will become available closer to the December 2026 start date through the same platforms.

Scorecard Archive

Cricket World maintains fixture lists and results for the 2025 South Africa tour of England, including venue details and match outcomes. View complete 2025 fixtures.

England v South Africa Tickets

Ticket availability varies significantly between the completed 2025 series and the upcoming 2026/27 tour. The Rose Bowl saw complete sell-outs for the September 7 ODI, though hospitality packages remained available starting at £360 per person, including pitch-facing bedroom accommodations.

For the Lord’s ODI on September 4, the venue operated specific entry protocols detailed on the Lord’s official website, including cashless transactions and gate opening times at 11:00.

2026/27 South Africa Tour Access

Tickets for the December 2026 and January 2027 fixtures have not yet entered general sale according to available information. Cricket South Africa and the ECB announced the fixtures but have not confirmed public ticket release dates. Fan travel packages are available through the Barmy Army, though specific on-sale dates for individual match tickets remain unconfirmed.

Hospitality Options

For high-demand matches such as the Boxing Day Test at Centurion and New Year’s Test at Newlands, hospitality packages typically release prior to general admission tickets. Barmy Army offers travel and accommodation bundles for England supporters planning the tour.

England v South Africa T20 Matches

The 2025 series included a scheduled three-match T20I programme, though weather and scheduling issues affected the final fixture. The first two matches proceeded as planned, with results affecting the series standing.

2025 T20I Results

South Africa won the series opener at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff on September 10 by 14 runs under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method, after rain interrupted play. England levelled the series at Old Trafford on September 12, securing a commanding 146-run victory after posting 304 for 2 in their 20 overs.

The final match at Trent Bridge on September 14 was cancelled, leaving the series tied at 1-1. No reserve day was scheduled for this fixture.

2026/27 T20I Status

The ECB confirmed that the planned T20I series for the 2026/27 tour was removed from the schedule due to calendar congestion. Rescheduling discussions between Cricket South Africa and the ECB continue, though no concrete dates have been announced.

Format Reduction

The 2026/27 tour initially planned to include T20 internationals alongside Tests and ODIs. The removal leaves only the three Tests and three ODIs, reducing the tour length compared to recent bilateral series between the nations.

England v South Africa Match Timeline

The following chronological sequence covers confirmed fixtures from September 2025 through January 2027:

  1. : 1st ODI at Headingley, Leeds – South Africa won by 7 wickets (Source: ESPNcricinfo)
  2. : 2nd ODI at Lord’s, London – South Africa won by 5 runs
  3. : 3rd ODI at Rose Bowl, Southampton – England won by 342 runs
  4. : 1st T20I at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff – South Africa won by 14 runs (DLS)
  5. : 2nd T20I at Old Trafford, Manchester – England won by 146 runs
  6. : 1st Test at Wanderers, Johannesburg – Scheduled
  7. : 2nd Test at SuperSport Park, Centurion – Scheduled (Boxing Day)
  8. : 3rd Test at Newlands, Cape Town – Scheduled (New Year)
  9. : 1st ODI at Boland Park, Paarl – Scheduled
  10. : 2nd and 3rd ODIs at Manguang Oval, Bloemfontein – Scheduled

What is Confirmed for the 2026/27 Tour?

While the fixture list is established, certain details remain pending final confirmation by Cricket South Africa and the ECB.

Established Information

  • Three Test matches with specific dates and venues confirmed by the ECB
  • Three ODIs scheduled at Boland Park and Manguang Oval
  • Test series includes traditional Boxing Day and New Year’s fixtures
  • T20I series formally removed from the tour schedule
  • Announcements made jointly by Cricket South Africa and ECB

Uncertain Details

  • Potential rescheduling of T20I matches to a later date
  • Specific ticket release dates for South Africa venues
  • Broadcast rights and streaming platforms for the 2026/27 series
  • Squad announcements and player availability
  • Whether abandoned T20Is from 2025 will be rescheduled

England v South Africa Cricket History

The rivalry between England and South Africa spans over a century of Test cricket, with the first meeting in 1889. Recent series have alternated between the two nations, with the 2025 white-ball tour representing South Africa’s first visit to England since 2022.

The 2026/27 tour marks England’s return to South Africa for the first time since the 2019/20 season. The Boxing Day Test at Centurion and New Year’s Test at Cape Town represent traditional fixtures in the South African cricket calendar, often drawing capacity crowds. While cricket dominates the current sporting calendar, football fixtures such as the England vs Latvia Head-to-Head demonstrate the breadth of international competition involving England teams.

Historic venues like Lord’s have hosted cricket for centuries, much like Wembley hosts football’s FA Cup Winners List finals, showing England’s rich sporting heritage across different disciplines.

Official Statements on Fixtures

The England and Wales Cricket Board released the 2026/27 tour dates following coordination with Cricket South Africa. The announcement confirmed the removal of T20 fixtures due to the crowded international calendar.

“Fixtures for England Men’s 2026/27 tour to South Africa announced”

— England and Wales Cricket Board, Official Announcement

Cricket South Africa collaborated on the scheduling to ensure the Boxing Day and New Year’s Tests maintained their traditional slots in the calendar.

Key Takeaways for England v South Africa Cricket

South Africa’s 2025 tour of England concluded with a 2-1 ODI series victory and a shared T20I series. England now prepares for their December 2026 tour featuring three Tests and three ODIs, including matches at Centurion over Christmas and Newlands for New Year. Ticket details for the South Africa leg remain pending, while highlights and scorecards from the 2025 series are available through official broadcasters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find England v South Africa live scores?

ESPNcricinfo provides real-time updates and ball-by-ball commentary for all matches.

Why was the third T20I in September 2025 cancelled?

The Trent Bridge fixture on September 14 was cancelled without a reserve day being scheduled.

When does England tour South Africa in 2026/27?

The tour begins December 17, 2026, with the first Test at Wanderers, Johannesburg.

Are T20 matches included in the 2026/27 tour?

No, the T20I series was removed from the schedule due to calendar conflicts, though rescheduling discussions continue.

How can I purchase tickets for the 2026/27 series?

Tickets have not yet entered general sale; availability will be announced by Cricket South Africa and the ECB.

Which venues host the 2026/27 Test matches?

Wanderers Stadium, SuperSport Park Centurion, and Newlands Cricket Ground.

What was the result of the 2025 ODI series?

South Africa won the series 2-1, despite England’s victory in the final match at Southampton.

Freddie George Morgan Harrison

About the author

Freddie George Morgan Harrison

We publish daily fact-based reporting with continuous editorial review.