After more than three weeks of gruelling competition, four teams – India, South Africa, Afghanistan, and England have managed to stay in contention to win the ninth edition of the T20 World Cup 2024. On Tuesday, June 25, the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the names of the match officials who in be in charge of the two semifinals on Thursday.
In the first semifinal, South Africa will meet first time semifinalists Afghanistan at the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba, in Trinidad. The Proteas made it to the semifinals after finishing on top of Group 2 in the Super Eight phase. They won all three of their matches against the USA, England, and West Indies.
Aiden Markram’s side are the favourites, as they have won seven games in a row so far in the marquee event. However, Afghanistan have also showcased their ability to beat more experienced teams in world cricket during the tournament. They defeated Australia and Bangladesh to qualify for the semifinals.
This intriguing clash between South Africa and Afghanistan is going to have Richard Illingworth and Nitin Menon as the on-field umpires. Meanwhile, Richard Kettleborough will be the TV Umpire, with Ahsan Raza in place as Fourth Umpire. Former West Indies cricketer Richie Richardson will be donning the role of the match referee.
Who all will be officiating the India versus England clash?
India and England are scheduled to lock horns at the Providence Stadium in Guyana. The Men in Blue have won six matches so far in the competition, while one of their games ended without a result. Rohit Sharma’s men defeated Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Australia in the Super Eights en route to the semifinals.
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Meanwhile, England suffered a defeat at the hands of the Proteas in the Super Eight stage but comprehensive wins against the West Indies and the USA helped Jos Buttler and Co. seal their spot in the last four.
Chris Gaffaney and Rodney Tucker will be in the middle as India and England face each other in the semifinals for the second time in a row in T20 World Cups. Joel Wilson will be the TV Umpire, while Paul Reiffel has been named as the fourth umpire. Jeffrey Crowe is the match referee for this mouth-watering clash.