Former South Africa fast bowler Dale Steyn believes New Zealand will face a major challenge when they take on India in the final of the ICC T20 World Cup.
Dale Steyn shared his views during a discussion with former South Africa captain AB de Villiers on his YouTube channel ahead of the title clash.
During the conversation, Steyn pointed out New Zealand’s record in ICC finals. He noted that the team has lost five of the seven finals it has played. He also joked that if New Zealand lose the final, the “chokers” label often associated with South Africa could shift to them.
“Look, let’s be honest here. New Zealand… 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,” Steyn said.
Steyn also said that although he would like New Zealand to win, he does not believe they will be able to defeat India. According to him, India would have to suffer a monumental collapse for New Zealand to win the match, which he described as highly unlikely.
Although Steyn remains doubtful about New Zealand’s chances, the team has previously won major ICC finals. New Zealand defeated India in the 2000 ICC Knockout Trophy, which later became the Champions Trophy. They also beat India in the 2021 ICC World Test Championship Final.
During the same conversation, AB de Villiers also spoke about New Zealand’s victory over South Africa in the semi-final of the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup. He said the defeat still frustrates him because he believed South Africa had a better chance of beating Australia in the final.
De Villiers said he still feels frustrated about that match because he believed South Africa had the best chance of defeating Australia in Australia.
He also noted that New Zealand are once again in a final and will now face India in India, acknowledging that both he and Steyn might face criticism if New Zealand go on to win the T20 World Cup.
India will face New Zealand in the final on March 8 at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
