IND vs NZ: Mike Hesson Says Wankhede Stadium Will Favour New Zealand More In Semi-Final

Former New Zealand cricketer Mike Hesson made a bold remark ahead of the semi-final against India in the ICC World Cup 2023. He believes that Wankhede Stadium will favor the Kiwis more than India because their bowling attack will get more bounce on that wicket.

India and New Zealand will be up against each other in the semi-final of the ICC World Cup 2023. The match will take place on Wednesday (15th November) at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Both the teams played quality cricket throughout the league stage but it’ll be a different challenge altogether.

India has just one win against New Zealand in the ICC World Cup, which came in the ongoing edition. The Kiwis have always haunted them and with the pressure of the semi-final being there, it’ll be one of the biggest challenges for them in the tournament even though they are unbeaten.

Mike Hesson admitted that both the teams have many match-winners and it’ll be difficult to pick one. He, however, believes that the surface at the Wankhede Stadium will suit their bowlers more. Speaking to Cricbuzz, he explained:

“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.

“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.”

IND vs NZ: New Zealand’s had some success there at the Wankhede – Mike Hesson

Mike Hesson further went on to recall the ODI between India and New Zealand in 2017 at the Wankhede Stadium. He highlighted how Kiwis pulled that chase and added that they will enter the contest with confidence. He elaborated:

“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.”

The last time India and New Zealand faced in the semi-final of the World Cup was in 2019. The Kiwis thrashed Men in Blue. The clash between them mostly will be known as the battle between Indian batters and New Zealand pacers.