New Zealand will be handed the ‘chokers’ tag if they can’t beat India in the T20 World Cup final, says Dale Steyn

Former South Africa pacer Dale Steyn said that New Zealand have no chance of going past India in the final of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 on Sunday. The Kiwis made it to their second summit clash after beating South Africa in the semi-final at the Eden Gardens. Steyn would give the chockers tag to New Zealand if they fail to upset the Indian National Cricket Team at the Narendra Modi Stadium on March 8.

Steyn highlighted the fact that New Zealand have been a part of more World Cup finals than the Proteas, and the C word can be applied to them if they don’t clinch the ICC title. New Zealand had qualified for the ODI World Cup final in 2019, the 2021 T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy, but they came short on three occasions.

The legendary pacer wants New Zealand to lift the trophy. “Everyone calls South Africa chokers but even New Zealand haven’t been able to win finals. They have been in more finals than South Africa. They should win the final against India,” he said.

“If they don’t win, I will call them chokers. I know they can’t beat India. It would require a choke from India. I want New Zealand to win the title but they will not be able to beat India,” he added.

AB de Villiers agreed with his former teammate, saying he hates New Zealand for defeating South Africa in the semi-final of the 2015 World Cup. New Zealand thumped South Africa but lost to Australia in the final at the MCG.

“I hate New Zealand for beating us in 2015. They had no chance in front of Australia in the final. South Africa were the only team, who could have stunned the Aussies. New Zealand are in another final and they will play India in India. Both you and I are going to be killed if they beat India in the final,” he added.

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