Kamal Ghorui
Former South Africa national cricket team pace legend Dale Steyn has made a bold remark ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 final, stating that New Zealand national cricket team could inherit the long-standing “chokers” label if they fail to overcome hosts India national cricket team in Sunday’s title clash in Ahmedabad.New Zealand secured their place in the final after defeating Steyn’s former side, the South Africa national cricket team, in the first semi-final at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The victory helped the Black Caps reach the T20 World Cup final for the second time in their history.
India, meanwhile, advanced to the summit clash by edging past the England cricket team by seven runs in a thrilling high-scoring semi-final played in Mumbai on Thursday.Speaking on a YouTube discussion with former teammate AB de Villiers, Steyn suggested that New Zealand have reached several ICC finals in recent years and should be the ones facing scrutiny if they fall short again.“Let’s be honest here. Everyone likes to call South Africa chokers, but I am going to say it. New Zealand haven’t won many World Cups themselves, and they have been in more finals than we have. So, no offence, New Zealand, but please go on to win this,” said Steyn in a chat with AB de Villiers on the latter’s YouTube channel.“Otherwise, I am formally handing over that card to you; it’s yours. I love New Zealand, but they won’t beat India.”Steyn also highlighted the Black Caps’ repeated appearances in global finals in recent years. New Zealand reached the title match of the 2019 Cricket World Cup, the 2021 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, and the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, but ended up finishing runners-up on each occasion.The former fast bowler, who took more than 400 wickets in Test cricket, believes India hold the advantage heading into the final. According to Steyn, the hosts would need to suffer a dramatic collapse for New Zealand to emerge victorious.“It would require a monumental choke from India. I am calling it; it’s possible. I really want them (New Zealand) to win, but do I think they’ll beat India? No,” Steyn said.Overall, New Zealand have reached eight ICC tournament finals since winning the ICC KnockOut Trophy 2000, but have lifted just one trophy in that period — the 2021 ICC World Test Championship Final, where they defeated India.
