November 13, 2023
The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced Monday match officials for the World Cup 2023 semi-finals scheduled to be held on November 15 and 16.
Apart from the hosts India, five-time one-day international (ODI) World Cup winners Australia, New Zealand and South Africa have also made it to the knockout of the stage following the culmination of the group stage on Sunday.
"We are happy to announce the match officials for the semi-finals of the World Cup. The officiating team has performed to a high standard to this point of the event," ICC Manager of Umpires and Referees Sean Easey said.
According to the sports body, Australian Rod Tucker and ex-English cricketer Richard Illingworth will fulfil their responsibilities as on-field umpires during the first semi-final scheduled to be played at Mumbai's Wankhede stadium on November 15 (Wednesday).
Tucker who officiated his first ODI match in January 2009, will be appearing in his 100th ODI in the first semi-final.
Meanwhile, Joel Wilson, Adrian Holdstock and Andy Pycroft will be the match's third umpire, fourth umpire and match referee, respectively.
Tournament favourite India who are at the top of the points table reached the semis after they remained unbeaten throughout the group stage and will lock horns with the Kiwis — 2019 World Cup finalists — who are ranked number four at the points table.
For the second semi-final between Australia and South Africa, scheduled to be played on November 16 at Kolkata's Eden Gardens, Richard Kettleborough — who also surpassed the 100-match mark during the event — and Nitin Menon will be the on-field umpires.
The second-semi final will see Australia and South Africa competing for a place in the finals with both teams reaching the knockout stage with 14 points after winning seven of their nine matches in the group stage.
The tournament's final will be played on November 19 at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi stadium.