Dale Steyn predicts the winner in T20 World Cup final
What's the story
Former South African cricketer Dale Steyn has predicted that New Zealand will not be able to beat India in the 2026 T20 World Cup final. The match is scheduled to take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday. Steyn said it would take a "monumental choke" from India for them to lose against the Kiwis. He even said that if New Zealand lose, he would transfer the "chokers" tag from South Africa to them.
Final statistics
NZ have been in more finals than SA: Steyn
Steyn pointed out New Zealand's poor record in ICC finals, having lost five out of seven. "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," he told AB de Villiers on his YouTube channel.
Words
Steyn feels New Zealand won't beat India
"So, no offence, New Zealand, but please go on to win this; otherwise, I am formally handing over that card to you; it's yours. I love New Zealand, but they won't beat India. It would require a monumental choke from India. I am calling it; it's impossible. I really want them to win, but do I think they'll beat India? No," he added.
Views
AB de Villiers on NZ beating SA in 2015 WC
AB de Villiers expressed his displeasure over New Zealand defeating South Africa in the 2015 ODI World Cup semi-final. De Villiers said he "hates" New Zealand for that loss and claimed they were never going to beat Australia in the final. He added that if any team could have beaten Australia on their home turf, it would have been South Africa.
Shared sentiments
ABD backs Steyn's views on the T20 WC final
De Villiers shared the same sentiments of Steyn ahead of the final. "And 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.