Dale Steyn Names The 1 Team That Are Bigger Chokers Than South Africa

Dale Steyn [Source: X.com]

Former South African pacer Dale Steyn has made a bold prediction ahead of the final of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. He stated that New Zealand have very little chance of defeating India in the summit clash scheduled to take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday.

Notably, New Zealand secured their place in the final after defeating South Africa in the first semi-final at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. This victory allowed the Black Caps to reach the T20 World Cup final for the second time in the tournament’s history.

Dale Steyn questions the “Chokers” label

For many years, South Africa have been criticised for falling short in major ICC tournaments. However, Dale Steyn suggested that New Zealand’s record in finals also deserves attention. 

According to him, the Black Caps have reached several global finals in recent years. Even so, they have struggled to convert those opportunities into titles.

For instance, New Zealand played the final of the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup. Later, they reached the summit clash of the 2021 ICC Men's T20 World Cup. In addition, they appeared in the final of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. Unfortunately for them, all three finals ended in defeat.

Therefore, Steyn remarked that if New Zealand fail again in another ICC final, the “chokers” tag might also apply to them. Dale Steyn shared his views during a conversation with former South African captain AB de Villiers on the YouTube show AB de Villiers 360.

“Look, let's be honest here. New Zealand. Everyone likes to call South Africa chokers, and 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, please go on to win this,” Dale Steyn.

Although Dale Steyn expressed support for New Zealand lifting the trophy, he also admitted that defeating India in India would be extremely difficult.

Also Read: IND vs NZ Pitch At Narendra Modi Stadium Altered, Angry Gautam Gambhir Asked BCCI To Interfere

AB de Villiers recalls 2015 World Cup pain

During the same conversation, De Villiers spoke about one of the most painful moments in South African cricket history. He referred to the dramatic semi-final of the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup, where New Zealand defeated South Africa in a thrilling encounter.

“I hate New Zealand for that. In 2015, they were never going to beat Australia in that final. And I mean, guys will hate me for saying this, there was only one team that was going to beat Australia in Australia, and that was South Africa, alright. Now we find New Zealand in the final again, and they will play India in India. 

Lots of respect for New Zealand as a sporting reason. Both you and I are going to be killed, Dale, if they go on to win the T20 World Cup,” De Villiers said.

New Zealand's performance in T20 World Cup 2026

Meanwhile, the campaign of the New Zealand in the T20 World Cup 2026 has been full of ups and downs. The Black Caps showed strong character throughout the tournament and managed to bounce back with impressive performances. 

As a result, they recorded five wins along with two defeats and secured a place in the final. Now, they stand just one step away from winning their first T20 World Cup title.

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