ODI World Cup 2023: Umpires And Match Officials Announced By ICC For India Vs New Zealand Semifinal

Mumbai: Megaduel on Wednesday at Wankhede. India and New Zealand (IND vs NZ) are going to meet in the first semi-final of the World Cup (ICC Men’s World Cup 2023) in Mayanagari. Four years ago, the Indian team’s dream was dashed when they lost against New Zealand in Manchester. A chance to avenge that loss four years later in Mumbai. Who will be in charge of managing this very important match? The highest governing body of cricket was informed by the ICC on Monday.

Australia’s Rod Tucker and England’s Richard Illingworth will officiate at 22 yards. In a statement from the ICC, Rod Tucker will take charge of his 100th ODI match in the semi-final match between India and New Zealand. Along with Aji, England’s Richard Illingworth, the host nation and 2019 runners-up, who defeated India at the same stage of the World Cup, will handle the on-field umpiring duties.

These two umpires watched the India vs New Zealand match from the very front four years ago. Illingworth was also officiating at 22 yards in that match. Rod Tucker was the third umpire. The Kiwis defeated India by 18 runs in the two-day rain-hit match. This time, the supporters of Team India are hoping for a change of fortune. Joel Wilson will be the third umpire after Illingworth and Tucker on Wednesday. Adrian Holstock has been appointed as the fourth umpire. Andy Pycroft has been appointed as the match referee.

A lot of water has flown since that semifinal loss four years ago. That match is now in the past. On the contrary, the star Indian bowler Kuldeep Yadav threw a counter challenge to the opponent. Indian team’s spinner said frankly, ‘2019 semi-final (against New Zealand) happened four years ago. After which we played multiple bilateral series. So I know about them very well. The same applies to them. Our preparation for the World Cup was pretty good. We can also play cricket with great rhythm. Let’s hope I can maintain that streak in the next match as well.’

Richard Kettleborough and Nitin Menon will handle the on-field umpiring duties in the second semi-final between South Africa and Australia in Kolkata. Chris Gaffney is the third umpire for this match, Michael Gough is the fourth umpire. Former Indian star cricketer Javagal Srinath will be the match referee in the second semi-final.

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