India's appeal for semi-final switch rejected

World Cup organisers have rejected a bid by India to have the second semi-final changed from a day-nighter into a day game.

India, who are likely to reach that Durban semi-final on March 20, fear the toss could have a disproportionate influence on the result.

World Cup executive director Ali Bacher, resonding to the request from Board of Control for Cricket in India president Jagmohan Dalmiya, said on Friday that the day-nighter would not be switched.

"I spoke to Mr Dalmiya by telephone from Cape Town this afternoon to inform him of the decision reached by myself and colleagues from the organising committee," Bacher said in a statement.

"Having explained the thinking and reasons behind our decision, Mr Dalmiya repeated assurances given to me yesterday that he and the BCCI will accept this ruling in good faith."

Seven World Cup matches have been staged as day-nighters in Durban and Cape Town. Five teams winning the toss went on to win the game, while Monday's rain-affected match between South Africa and Sri Lanka ended in a tie.

Dalmiya said on Wednesday he had approached other teams likely to qualify from the Super Sixes to see if they would back the India request but added: "We are not going to make an issue about it."

Bacher had made it clear he would strongly oppose any switch. "Day-nighters are the most spectacular form of one-day games," he said on Wednesday.

He added that historical statistics showed that the toss was not crucial for day-night matches in Durban.

He stressed a switch would upset thousand of spectators, who had already made travel plans to attend the match, as well as broadcasters, adding: "The time of the match was agreed and announced by the International Cricket Council way back in October 2001."

Australia, Sri Lanka and New Zealand are the top sides in the last six along with India.

The first semi-final in Port Elizabeth on March 18 is a day match. That game will feature the top side after the Super Six stage against the fourth-ranked team, with the second and third teams heading for Durban.