Former New Zealand coach Mike Hesson is widely regarded as one of the shrewd cricketing brains in the world. His technical analysis and insights are often on point.
However, Hesson has now left everyone stunned with his perfect predictions. Before the India versus New Zealand World Cup 2023 semi-final, the 49-year-old was doing a preview show, where he made some guesses that turned out to be absolutely correct.
Hesson said India will probably win the semi-final by 70 runs and Virat Kohli could notch up his 50th ODI ton. He further added that the Kiwis will chase a big total and Mohammad Shami might get seven wickets. He also picked Daryl Mitchell to shine from New Zealand’s perspective.
Interestingly, all the guesses ended up being true. In the knock-out match, India piled up 397/4 on the board after opting to bat first and then bowled out the BlackCaps for 327 in 48.5 overs to win the contest by 70 runs.
Kohli was the top scorer for India with 117 off 113 balls. With this knock, the star batter also surpassed the legendary Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 49 ODI hundreds.
Defending the huge total, Shami ran through the Kiwis batting line-up. The right-arm quick returned with a seven-wicket haul (7-57) in 9.5 overs – his career-best figures in ODIs.
In the chase, Mitchell starred with the bat for New Zealand. Batting at No. 4, he scored 134 off 119 balls and forged a couple of crucial partnerships with Kane Williamson (69) and Glenn Phillips (41).
India will now face Australia in the World Cup 2023 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday (November 19).
