Zimbabwe's Tiffin becomes 11th umpire to stand in 100 ODIs

Dubai, Dec 7 (UNI) Zimbabwe's Russell Tiffin became the 11th umpire in ODI history to stand in 100 or more matches as he took field in the fourth ODI between Zimbabwe and West Indies at Bulawayo today.

Tiffin achieved the feat after 15 long years since he made his first appearance as an umpire at his home ground in Harare for a match between Zimbabwe and India.

He started his umpiring career in 1986 but he made his debut as an ODI umpire in 1992. Soon after in 1995 he was selected in the ICC International Panel of Umpires.

He has also served on the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires between 2002 and 2004.

Tiffin has stood in 38 Tests and his last decision in a Test came long back in March 2004 in Hamilton.

On his achievement Tiffin said, ''It was always a milestone that was in my mind. I am delighted to have achieved something I targeted and now want to go beyond that.'' ''My cricketing background has helped me immensely in my umpiring career. Having been a wicketkeeper I believe I have an added advantage to make better calls as, after the umpires, the wicketkeepers have the best view of a batsman.'' Australia's Simon Taufel is the youngest umpire so far to reach 100 ODIs. He was 35 when he achieved it while the umpire with most appearances is South Africa's Rudi Koertzen who has so far stood in 182 matches.

Most appearances by umpires: Rudi Koertsen (SA) 182; David Shepherd (Eng) 172; Steve Bucknor (WI) 167; Daryl Harper (Aus) 141; Darrell Hair (Aus) 135; Billy Bowden (NZ) 122; Simon Taufel (Aus) 116; David Orchard (SA) 107; Aleem Dar (Pak) 101; Steve Dunn (NZ) 100; Russell Tiffin (Zim) 100 UNI