Fast bowler challenges New Zealand before the final

New Delhi: Ahead of the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, former South African fast bowler Dale Steyn has made an important comment about New Zealand. He said that if New Zealand fails to win the final this time, it may get the label of ‘chokers’. Steyn believes that it will be very challenging to defeat India on its home ground.

The final match between India and New Zealand will be played at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday. New Zealand performed brilliantly in the semi-finals and defeated South Africa to reach the finals. This is New Zealand’s second final in the history of the T20 World Cup.

‘Chokers tag may be found’

Steyn said the term ‘chokers’ is commonly used to describe the South African team, but statistically, New Zealand has played in more World Cup finals than South Africa. If New Zealand fails to win this time too, they must be given the tag of ‘chokers’. The team reached the finals of the 2019 ODI World Cup, 2021 T20 World Cup, and 2025 Champions Trophy, but lost all three times.

‘It is not easy to defeat India’

During a conversation on AB de Villiers’ YouTube channel, Dale Steyn also said that New Zealand fans should not mind his words, but this time victory is necessary. He jokingly said that if New Zealand loses the final this time too, he will officially tag them as ‘chokers’. Although he likes the New Zealand team, it will not be easy to beat India.

‘Requirement for exceptional performance’

Steyn, who has taken more than 400 Test wickets, said that India looks to have the upper hand in the final. According to him, India is a strong team in its home matches, and New Zealand will have to perform exceptionally well to defeat them. Steyn also believes that India can lose only if something major goes wrong with the team.

trip to new zealand

New Zealand has reached the finals several times since winning the ICC Knockout Trophy in 2000. But out of these, it has been successful in winning the title only once, when it defeated India in the final of the World Test Championship in 2021. Now it remains to be seen whether New Zealand succeeds in changing its history in the final match to be held in Ahmedabad or India wins another ICC trophy.