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Mike Hesson is obviously an authority in the New
Zealand team and has a thorough understanding of both sides, so he undoubtedly
knows a little bit about India and Indian cricket. He also thinks that
Wednesday’s World Cup semifinal between India and New Zealand will be a match
between David and Goliath, but the Kiwis would have rather faced their
formidable opponent at Mumbai’s Wankhede.
“I guess it’s a little bit of the David and
Goliath scenario. Isn’t it? India have been through the tournament unbeaten and
are in fine form — so many match-winners against a team, who just keeps
fronting up,” Hesson, who has experience of coaching IPL teams for five
years, thinks.
“The Wankhede is actually a good ground for New
Zealand. If you’re going to play India at any ground, Mumbai is not a bad one.
I think our bowling attack will get some bounce there. So therefore if we get
bounce, we’ve got to take early wickets.
“New Zealand’s had some success there (at the
Wankhede). I remember an ODI not so long ago chasing after being in trouble
there (in 2017, they beat India by six wickets chasing 281). I think Tom Latham
got 100 (103 not out), so he’ll have fond memories of the venue and he’s
probably one of that top order who probably hasn’t been in vintage touch. The
rest of the top four have been flying. Glenn Phillips has done pretty well and
I think if Latham can tackle the spin at the Wankhede, which he’s done in the
past, that’ll be hugely influential.”
Hesson admits the Kiwis are underdogs but won’t be
pushovers. “To make five semifinals in a row for a country of he size of
New Zealand in some foreign countries is a phenomenal achievement. So they are
no doubt the underdogs, but they have enough talent in that squad to certainly
challenge India, that’s for sure.”