The Black Sox perform the haka at the 2019 World Cup in the Czech Republic. Photo: Photosport
Seven-time champions and hosts, New Zealand, will play the Czech Republic in the opening game of next month's men's Softball World Cup in Auckland.
The tournament involves 12 nations and will be played at Rosedale Park in Auckland.
New Zealand are ranked sixth in the world, with defending champions Argentina the top ranked side.
The 30-game opening round will be completed on November 30, with the top three finishers from each group advancing to the Super Round, while the other six teams will compete in the Placement Round.
The top two teams from the Super Round, will compete in the final on December 4.
The pools, with world rankings are:
Group A: Argentina (No 1), Czech Republic (5), New Zealand (6), USA (7), Cuba (12), Philippines (21).
Group B: Japan (2), Canada (3), Australia (4), Venezuela (9), Denmark (10), South Africa (11).
-RNZ
