Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: India’s Nitin Menon has been included in the elite panel of match officials appointed for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup semifinals, set to be played on March 4 and 5.The first semifinal will see South Africa take on New Zealand at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on March 4. Defending champions India will then face England in the second semifinal at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on March 5.
For the clash between South Africa and New Zealand, Richard Illingworth and Alex Wharf have been named as the on-field umpires. Illingworth had officiated South Africa’s emphatic semifinal win two years ago, when they bowled Afghanistan out for 56 and cruised to a nine-wicket victory. Wharf, meanwhile, stood in New Zealand’s group-stage win over Afghanistan in the ongoing edition.In Kolkata, Nitin Menon will perform duties as the third umpire, with Rod Tucker appointed as the fourth umpire. Javagal Srinath will serve as the match referee.The second semifinal in Mumbai between India and England will be overseen on the field by Chris Gaffaney and Allahuddien Paleker. The two teams also met at this stage in 2024, a match India won by 68 runs, with Gaffaney part of the officiating team. In the current tournament, he has stood in India’s matches against South Africa and the West Indies.Paleker has officiated two England fixtures — against the West Indies and Scotland — along with India’s win over the Netherlands.Adrian Holdstock has been assigned as the third umpire for the Mumbai semifinal, while Paul Reiffel will be the fourth umpire. Andy Pycroft will take charge as the match referee.
T20 World Cup Semi-Final 1: South Africa vs New Zealand
Kolkata, Wednesday, March 4On-Field Umpires: Richard Illingworth & Alex WharfThird Umpire: Nitin MenonFourth Umpire: Rod TuckerMatch Referee: Javagal Srinath
T20 World Cup Semi-Final 2: India vs England
Mumbai, Thursday, March 5India v EnglandOn-Field Umpires: Chris Gaffaney & Allahuddien PalekerThird Umpire: Adrian HoldstockFourth Umpire: Paul ReiffelMatch Referee: Andy Pycroft
