If New Zealand fail to defeat hosts India in the T20 World Cup final in Ahmedabad on Sunday, South Africa’s legendary pacer Dale Steyn believes the Kiwis would be deserving of the unwelcome “chokers” tag since it would be extremely difficult for them to defeat the home team.
After defeating favorites and longtime “chokers” South Africa in the semifinal at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, New Zealand advanced to the summit clash for the second time in T20 World Cup history.
In a high-scoring second semifinal at Mumbai’s Wankhede on Thursday, India defeated England by 7 runs. According to Steyn, if New Zealand lose on Sunday, they should be given the chokers tag because they have advanced to the World Cup final more than the Proteas.
New Zealand played in and lost the finals of 2019 50-over World Cup, the 2021 T20 World Cup, and 2025 Champions Trophy.
“Let’s be honest here. Everyone likes to call South Africa chokers, but I am going to say it. New Zealand haven’t won many World Cups themselves, and they have been in more finals than we have. So, no offence, New Zealand, but please go on to win this. Otherwise, I’m formally handing over that card to you; it’s yours. I love New Zealand, but they won’t beat India,” PTI quoted Steyn as saying in a chat with AB de Villiers on the latter’s YouTube channel.
With more than 400 Test wickets under his belt, the renowned South African pacer believes India is the favorite and stated that the hosts would need to make a “monumental choke” to lose the championship match.
“It would require a monumental choke from India. I am calling it; it’s possible. I really want them (New Zealand) to win, but do I think they’ll beat India? No,” Steyn said.
Since winning the ICC KnockOut Trophy in 2000, New Zealand have advanced to eight ICC finals, although they have only triumphed in one, against India in the 2021 World Test Championship final.
