New Zealand’s Matt Henry, second from left, celebrates with teammates (AP/PTI) Former South Africa national cricket team pace legend Dale Steyn has made a bold remark ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 final, saying that the New Zealand national cricket team could inherit the long-standing tag of “chokers” if they fail to overcome the host Indian national cricket team in the title clash in Ahmedabad on Sunday.New Zealand booked their place in the final after defeating Steyn’s former team, the South African national cricket team, in the first semi-final at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The win helped the Black Caps reach the T20 World Cup final for the second time in their history.
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Meanwhile, India advanced to the summit clash by beating the English cricket team by seven runs in a thrilling high-scoring semi-final played in Mumbai on Thursday.In 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 under scrutiny if they fail to reach again.“Let’s be honest. Everyone likes to call South Africa chokers, but I’ll say it. New Zealand haven’t won many World Cups themselves and been to more finals than us. So no offense New Zealand, but win it please,” Steyn said in a chat with AB de Villiers on the latter’s YouTube channel.“Otherwise, I’m formally handing you the card; 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 at the 2019 Cricket World Cup, the 2021 Men’s World T20 Cup and the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, but finished as runners-up each time.The former fast bowler, who has taken more than 400 wickets in Test cricket, believes India have an edge ahead of the final. According to Steyn, the hosts would have to suffer a dramatic collapse for New Zealand to emerge victorious.“It would take a monumental choke from India. I say 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 in 2000, but have lifted just one trophy in that period – the 2021 ICC World Test Championship final where they beat India.
