South Africa’s legendary fast bowler Dale Steyn says that if New Zealand is unable to defeat host India in the final of the T20 World Cup 2026 to be held in Ahmedabad on Sunday, then it should get the tag of ‘chokers’. According to Steyn, it will be almost impossible for New Zealand to defeat India in home conditions.
The Kiwi team has reached the final for the second time in the T20 World Cup history by defeating the South African team, a strong contender for the title and often called ‘chokers’, in the first semi-final played at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. India won the title match by defeating England by 7 runs in the second semi-final played in Mumbai on Thursday.
Steyn said New Zealand have played more World Cup finals than South Africa and if they fail to win the title on Sunday, they should be labeled as ‘chokers’.
Also read: Not Finn Allen, it is the Kiwi batsman, big tension, how will India handle it?
New Zealand has lost 3 ICC finals
New Zealand reached the finals of the 2019 ODI World Cup, 2021 T20 World Cup and 2025 Champions Trophy but faced defeat on all three occasions. While talking to AB de Villiers on his YouTube channel, Steyn said, ‘To be honest, everyone calls South Africa chokers but I would say that the New Zealand team has also not won many World Cups and has played more finals than us. The people of New Zealand may not mind my words but win this time.
He quipped, ‘Otherwise I will officially hand over this card (tag of chokers) to you, it is yours now. I like New Zealand but I don’t think they will be able to beat India.
Also read: ‘We break some hearts…’ What did Kiwi captain Santner say before the final against India?
‘If India does not make big mistakes, it will become champion’
This great South African fast bowler, who has taken more than 400 wickets in Test cricket, believes that India is a strong contender for the final and if the team does not make any ‘big mistake’ then it is difficult for it to face defeat in this match. Steyn said, ‘India can be defeated only if there are big mistakes. I’m saying it’s possible. I want New Zealand to win but will they be able to beat India? I think not.’
The New Zealand team has played 8 ICC finals since winning the ICC Champions Trophy title in 2000 but has been able to win only one of them (2021 WTC).
Comments are closed.