Northern Territory Cricket is thrilled to announce the return of International Cricket to the Top End for the first time in 17 years, with the Australian Men’s Team taking on South Africa in two T20 Internationals at Marrara Stadium on Sunday 10th and Tuesday 12th August 2025.
The first ever Men’s T20Is to be played in the Northern Territory will open a blockbuster Australian Summer, with Cricket Australia announcing a 2025-26 International Schedule that has cricket played in 11 cities and 14 venues across every State and Territory.
These highly anticipated fixtures in Darwin will be the first meeting between Australia and South Africa following the ICC World Test Championship Final at Lord’s in June 2025, and form part of a Northern Australia Series that also takes in fellow tourist hot spots Cairns and Mackay.
International cricket was first played in Darwin in 2003, when the Australian Men’s Team played Bangladesh in a Test Match and One Day International (ODI). In 2004, Australia returned to face Sri Lanka in a second Test Match, before hosting Bangladesh in three ODIs in 2008.
Darwin’s perfect dry season weather between the months of May and September offers both the Northern Territory and Australian Cricket an incredible winter cricket opportunity that allows international cricket to be played in Australia all year round.
Today’s announcement marks a key milestone for Northern Territory Cricket as it seeks to realise this opportunity following the significant growth and development of Cricket 365 (Top End T20 Series), the re-introduction of drop-in wickets into Marrara Stadium and record levels of participation.
International ticket pre-sale for registered fans begins on 3rd June 2025, with general public tickets going on sale on 13th June. Register for ticket pre-sale at https://www.cricket.com.au/tickets/pre-sale.
Both matches will be available LIVE on Foxtel and Kayo Sports.
Australian T20 Cricketer Cooper Connolly at the Marrara Stadium
Quotes from Northern Territory CEO, Gavin Dovey:
“Bringing international cricket back to Darwin after 17 years is a huge moment for the game in the Northern Territory. We’re incredibly grateful to the NT Government, NT Major Events, Minister Boothby, Minister Charls, and Cricket Australia for their support in making this possible.
“Cricket holds a special place in the hearts and minds of Australians so these fixtures will be a fantastic opportunity for local fans to witness world-class cricket as well as to inspire a new generation of Territory cricketers.
“By attracting international cricket we are also showcasing the beautiful city of Darwin to a global audience, generating significant economic benefits thanks to the billions of fans around the world that are fanatical about the sport.”
Quotes from Minister for Major Events, Tourism & Hospitality Marie Clare-Boothby:
“The return of international cricket to the Top End is a proud moment for the Territory, and we can’t wait to welcome Australia and South Africa to Darwin,” said Ms Boothby.
“Territorians love their sport, and events like this increase our reputation as a key player on the global sporting map, along with opening doors for local businesses and promoting the Territory as a top destination for sport.”
Quotes from Cricket Australia CEO, Todd Greenberg:
“We are excited to announce the schedule for what will be another incredible international season including the grand history and intense rivalry of the Ashes, the fantastic box office appeal of the India men and women’s teams and a return to some iconic tourist locations in northern Australia for the white ball series against South Africa.
“We’re especially excited to bring international T20 cricket to Marrara Stadium as part of the Northern Series against South Africa men. Darwin is a fantastic location for international cricket and we’re extremely grateful for the support of our Northern Territory and local government partners.”
Northern Australia Series
Men’s T20I Series v South Africa
Sunday, August 10: Marrara Stadium, Darwin (N)
Tuesday August 12: Marrara Stadium, Darwin, (N)
Saturday, August 16: Cazalys Stadium, Cairns, (N)
Men’s ODI Series v South Africa
Tuesday, August 19: Cazalys Stadium, Cairns, (D/N)
Friday, August 22: Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay, (D/N)
Sunday, August 24: Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay, (D/N)
For more information please contact:
Gavin Dovey
Chief Executive Officer
M: 0424 508 435
E: gavin.dovey@ntcricket.com.au
NORTHERN TERRITORY CRICKET IS PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY