![Dale Steyn's tweet backfired [Source: @IS_Netwrk29, @Cric360_Cricket/x.com]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1770475612934_DaleSteynTweet.jpg?type=hq)
Dale Steyn's tweet backfired [Source: @IS_Netwrk29, @Cric360_Cricket/x.com]
Former South African pacer, Dale Steyn probably didn’t expect his two-word tweet to blow up like this. But social media never misses a chance. Especially when predictions go sideways.
Ahead of India’s T20 World Cup 2026 clash against USA at the Wankhede Stadium, the South African pace legend had confidently tweeted “300 loading…” expecting a run-fest on a flat Mumbai track.
Dale Steyn's prediction goes horribly wrong
Given India’s recent habit of smashing 200-plus totals for fun, Steyn’s prediction didn’t sound outrageous. But cricket has a funny way of humbling everyone. After being invited to bat first, the Indian top order was decimated by the USA bowlers.
Abhishek Sharma departed for a golden duck. Then Ishan Kishan fell. Tilak Varma followed. Shivam Dube came and went in a flash. Suddenly, the scoreboard read 46/4 and the American bowlers were calling the shots.
Dale Steyn’s tweet quickly picked up traction. Fans imagined another run-fest. Some even joked about record totals being on the cards. But once the match began, the script flipped.
Pakistan fans jump in with savage replies
As soon as India’s top order collapsed, Dale Steyn’s tweet resurfaced and became a playground for trolls. Pakistan fans were quick to pile on. The replies ranged from cheeky to outright savage.
Within minutes, the tweet was flooded with memes, laughing emojis and sarcastic takes. Fans had a field day as India struggled to get going on what was expected to be a batting highway.
Here’s a look at how Pakistan fans reacted to Dale Steyn’s tweet.
When predictions age badly
Cricket predictions can age like milk. One moment you look like a genius. Next moment you are trending for all the wrong reasons. That’s exactly what happened here.
Steyn’s prediction wasn’t wild. Wankhede is known for high scores. India’s batting has been on a roll. But USA’s bowlers had other plans. Shadley van Schalkwyk ripped through the top order with three big wickets. Ali Khan chipped in too. Suddenly India were on the back foot. And when things go south for India, social media noise goes north instantly.
India in a spot of bother
At the end of 13 overs, India find themselves in serious trouble at 77/6 and the innings is hanging by a thin thread. What looked like a flat Wankhede batting surface has turned into a proper test of temperament for the Indian batters. USA’s bowlers have kept things tight and struck at regular intervals, leaving the favourites on the ropes.
Captain Suryakumar Yadav is still standing tall in the middle, battling on 21 off 22 balls and trying to anchor the innings. He has Axar Patel for company now, and this is India’s last recognised batting pair. The responsibility is huge. Both players need to shift gears smartly and build a meaningful partnership if India want to drag themselves to a fighting total.
The next few overs will be crucial. If Surya and Axar can rotate strike and pick the odd boundary, India might still crawl towards a competitive score on this batting-friendly ground. But one more wicket from here and USA will be straight into India’s tail.
And once that happens, the momentum will completely swing. USA will sense a golden opportunity to pull off a massive upset and put the tournament favourites under real pressure.
