The highway to the summit of age-group cricket has reached its penultimate stage because the Worldwide Cricket Council (ICC) formally confirmed the match officers for the high-stakes semi-finals of the ICC U19 Males’s Cricket World Cup 2026. With 4 of the world’s most promising youth groups remaining within the hunt for the celebrated silverware, the Emirates ICC Worldwide Panels of Umpires and Referees have been fastidiously chosen to supervise these essential fixtures in Zimbabwe.
The match has been a masterclass in rising expertise, and because the stress intensifies, the ICC has relied on a mix of skilled veterans and rising stars from its worldwide panel to make sure the very best requirements of officiating. These appointments come at a time when the margin for error is non-existent, and the eyes of the cricketing world are mounted on Bulawayo and Harare.
Semi-final fixtures: The unbeaten titans and the Asian giants
The primary semi-final, scheduled for February 3, 2026, on the Queens Sports activities Membership in Bulawayo, contains a heavyweight conflict between Australia and England. Each side have maintained a flawless report all through the competitors, making this an unofficial “closing earlier than the ultimate.” Australia, led by the constant Nitesh Samuel and captain Oliver Peake, has displayed medical effectivity. England, in the meantime, has been powered by the prolific Ben Mayes, whose batting exploits have made them the staff to beat.
The motion then shifts to the Harare Sports activities Membership on February 4, 2026, for an intriguing all-Asian encounter between defending champions India and a resilient Afghanistan. India secured their spot after a hard-fought victory over arch-rivals Pakistan, sustaining their unbeaten streak below the management of Ayush Mhatre. Afghanistan, having overcome challenges from South Africa and the West Indies earlier within the tourney, enter the knockouts as a formidable pressure able to upsetting any established order.
Additionally READ: U19 Males’s World Cup 2026, Semifinals: Broadcast, Reside Streaming particulars – When and the place to observe in India, USA, UK, Australia & different international locations
ICC official panel: Umpires and match referees confirmed
To keep up the integrity of those high-octane matches, the ICC has deployed a sturdy officiating staff. For the Australia-England conflict in Bulawayo, Zahid Bassarath and Virender Sharma will function the on-field umpires. Bassarath is recent off officiating England’s decisive win over New Zealand, whereas Virender has supervised Australia’s dominant performances in opposition to Sri Lanka and Japan. Lubabalo Gcuma will act because the Third Umpire, with Prageeth Rambukwella because the Fourth Umpire and Prakash Bhatt overseeing the match because the Referee.
Within the second semi-final between India and Afghanistan, the on-field tasks fall to Shaun Haig and Russell Warren. Haig has been a relentless presence in Afghanistan’s profitable group stage run, whereas Warren was on the helm throughout India’s victories over the USA and Bangladesh. The officiating staff is rounded out by Shawn Craig (Third Umpire), Masudur Mukul (Fourth Umpire), and the seasoned Graeme La Brooy because the Match Referee.
Full record of umpires and match refrees
Semi-Last 1: Australia v England
On-field Umpires: Zahid Bassarath & Virender SharmaThird Umpire: Lubabalo GcumaFourth Umpire: Prageeth RambukwellaMatch Referee: Prakash Bhatt
Semi-Last 2: India v Afghanistan
On-field Umpires: Shaun Haig & Russell WarrenThird Umpire: Shawn CraigFourth Umpire: Masudur MukulMatch Referee: Graeme La Brooy
Additionally READ: U19 World Cup 2026 semi-finals: Understanding India, Afghanistan, Australia and England’s strengths and weaknesses with SWOT evaluation
