South African fast bowling legend Del Steyn has suggested that if New Zealand fail to beat India in the T20 World Cup final, he will officially label them as “chokers,” a tag long associated with his own nation.
The final is set for Sunday at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, where India will face New Zealand in a high-stakes clash.
Steyn noted that South Africa’s own reputation as chokers stems from repeated losses in World Cup knockout matches. Despite New Zealand reaching more finals than South Africa, they too have yet to lift a World Cup trophy. Steyn feels the Kiwis deserve the same scrutiny if they fail to win:
“Honestly, everyone likes to call South Africa ‘chokers,’ but New Zealand haven’t won many World Cups either. They’ve played more finals than us. So with respect, I’m saying: please win the trophy this time, otherwise the label is yours.”
New Zealand’s struggles at World Cup finals are well documented. They reached the 2015 ODI World Cup final after defeating South Africa in the semis but lost to Australia in the title match. Four years later, they drew the final against England at Lord’s and lost on boundary count. In the 2021 T20 World Cup final, they again fell short to Australia.
Steyn reflected on his own experience from the 2015 semi-final, where Grant Elliott propelled New Zealand into the final with a six against his South African side, captained by AB de Villiers.
“I still remember that match clearly. I didn’t like New Zealand then, and I have similar feelings now. But respect is due—they’ve played many finals. Yet, I don’t think they can beat India without a miracle,” Steyn said.
Despite the teasing, Steyn acknowledged New Zealand’s achievements in ICC events, including the Champions Trophy and the ICC Test Championship, noting that they are far from inexperienced on the global stage.
“I hope they win, but realistically? Beating India in India is almost impossible. If they fail, the ‘choker’ tag is theirs,” he added.
