Dale Steyn has made a bold statement on the New Zealand national cricket team as they prepare to face the India national cricket team in the final of the T20 World Cup 2026 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, March 8.
Ahead of the title clash, former South African fast bowler Dale Steyn had created a lot of buzz over the “chokers tag”, which is mainly attached to the Proteas team, which was earlier eliminated from the T20 World Cup 2026 after a crushing nine-wicket defeat to New Zealand in the first semi-final.
South Africa’s painful history in ICC Knockouts
For many years, the “chokers” tag has had an impact on the South Africa national cricket team as they would often lose important knockout matches despite finishing strong in ICC events. The Proteas tried to change that narrative when they won the ICC World Test Championship title in 2025.
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However, their struggles in white-ball tournaments have brought the debate back into the spotlight. In recent years, South Africa has repeatedly come close but failed to complete the task. In the 2024 T20 World Cup, they dominated the tournament with eight consecutive wins but lost to India in the final.
The story was repeated again in the 2026 edition when they went unbeaten in the group and Super 8 stages before being eliminated in the semi-finals by the Kiwis. Last year, South Africa’s campaign in the ICC Champions Trophy also ended after another defeat against New Zealand in the semi-finals.
New Zealand on radar for surrender in knockout
It’s a similar story with New Zealand, as they have built a reputation for reaching major finals but have not always been successful in lifting the trophy. The Black Caps have won two major ICC titles so far, including the 2000 Champions Trophy and the 2021 World Test Championship.
They also reached several finals, including the ODI World Cup finals in 2015 and 2019 and the T20 World Cup final in 2021, but failed to get the job done. As the Black Caps now prepare for another ICC final, the legendary fast bowler warned them against losing to India in Ahmedabad.
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Dale Steyn issues “chokers” warning to New Zealand ahead of T20 World Cup 2026 final
Speaking on former South Africa captain AB de Villiers’ YouTube channel, Dale Steyn has suggested that if New Zealand once again fails to win the World Cup, the infamous “chokers” tag should be removed from South Africa and imposed on the Black Caps.
He said that if India defeats them in the final of the T20 World Cup 2026 then the title will officially transfer to the Black Caps, as they have already reached several finals but have not been able to lift the cup.
Dale Steyn told AB de Villiers, “Everyone likes to call South Africa chokers. New Zealand themselves haven’t won many World Cups, and they’ve been to more finals than us. Please go on to win (2026). Otherwise, I’m formally handing over the chokers card to you; it’s yours.”
Dale Steyn on South Africa “Chokers” tag.
Dale Steyn said, “Everyone likes to call South Africa chokers. New Zealand themselves have not won many World Cups, and they have been to more finals than us. Please go on to win (2026). Otherwise, I am formally handing over the chokers card… pic.twitter.com/cRQDQurq5s
– Sam (@Cricsam01) 7 March 2026
