Chris Gaffaney and Richard Illingworth Appointed As On-Field Umpires for India-Australia Semifinal

India faces Australia in the first semifinal of the 2025 Champions Trophy in Dubai, with on-field umpires Chris Gaffaney and Richard Illingworth officiating. Michael Gough will be the third umpire, and Andy Pycroft the match referee. This match follows India’s successful Group A campaign, winning three matches, while Australia managed one official win before facing rain interruptions. This semifinal serves as a rematch of the 2023 Men’s ODI World Cup final. Both teams boast two Champions Trophy titles, and the victor will advance to the final on March 9, hosted in either Lahore or Dubai, depending on the outcome.

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    <p>India faces Australia in the Champions Trophy semifinal<span class="sp_cred">© AFP</span></p>
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        <p>The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced that New Zealand's Chris Gaffaney and England's Richard Illingworth will be the on-field umpires for the inaugural semifinal of the 2025 Champions Trophy between India and Australia in Dubai. Michael Gough will act as the third umpire for the match scheduled at the Dubai International Stadium on Tuesday, with Andy Pycroft serving as the match referee. Illingworth remains in Dubai following his oversight of India's Group A match against New Zealand this past Sunday. Gaffaney was originally set to officiate Australia's match against South Africa in Group B, which unfortunately was canceled due to rain in Rawalpindi.</p>

        <p>In the second semifinal to be held in Lahore, Kumar Dharmasena of Sri Lanka and Australia's Paul Reiffel will be acting as on-field umpires for the encounter between South Africa and New Zealand.</p>
        <p>Joel Wilson will take on the role of third umpire, while Ranjan Madugalle will handle the match referee responsibilities for this game. Dharmasena officiated in New Zealand's victory over Bangladesh in Group A, while Reiffel was at the center when India triumphed over Pakistan in Dubai.</p>
        <p>The semifinal match between India and Australia in Dubai is a repeat of the 2023 Men's ODI World Cup final, competing for a spot in the Champions Trophy final set for March 9. Australia has secured only one victory from three group matches, with two of them abandoned due to inclement weather, while India enters this match boasting three consecutive wins during the group stage.</p>
        <p>India has showcased dominance across all areas of the game, whereas Australia, despite the absence of several key players, has exceeded expectations, notably chasing down an impressive 352 runs against England in Lahore.</p>
        <p>Both teams, India and Australia, are the most accomplished in Champions Trophy history, each holding two titles. A victory for Australia would mean the final takes place in Lahore, while if India wins, the title clash will be hosted in Dubai.</p>

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