New Zealander Matt Henry, second from left, celebrates with his teammates (AP/PTI)
Former South Africa national cricket team legend Dale Steyn made a bold remark ahead of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup final, suggesting that the New Zealand national cricket team could inherit the long-standing tag of ‘chokers’ if they fail to beat hosts Indian national cricket team in Sunday’s title match in Ahmedabad.New Zealand secured their place in the final after beating Steyn’s former team, the South Africa national cricket team, in the first semi-final at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The win helped the Black Caps reach the final of the T20 World Cup for the second time in their history.
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Meanwhile, India qualified for the summit clash by outscoring the England cricket team by seven runs in a thrilling, high-scoring semi-final played in Mumbai on Thursday.
Speaking in a YouTube discussion with former teammate AB de Villiers, Steyn suggested New Zealand had reached several International World Cup finals in recent years and should be the ones facing scrutiny if they fail again.“Let’s be honest here. Everyone likes to call South Africa ‘chokers’, but I will say it. New Zealand haven’t won many World Cups, and they’ve been to more finals than us. So, no offense New Zealand, but please keep winning this,” Steyn said in a chat with AB de Villiers on the latter’s YouTube channel.
“Otherwise I’ll officially hand you that card; it’s yours. I love New Zealand, but they won’t beat India.”Steyn also highlighted the Black Caps’ frequent appearances in the World 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 as runners-up on each occasion.The former fast bowler, who has taken over 400 wickets in Test cricket, believes India have the advantage going into the final.
According to Steyn, the home team will need to collapse dramatically for New Zealand to emerge victorious.“It will take a massive throttle from India. I call it that; it is possible. I really want (New Zealand) to win, but do I think they will beat India? No,” Steyn said.Overall, New Zealand have reached ICC finals eight times since winning the 2000 ICC KnockOut Trophy, but have lifted just one trophy in that period – the 2021 ICC World Test Championship final, where they defeated India.
