Former South Africa fast bowler Dale Steyn has said that New Zealand face a huge challenge against India in the final of the Men's T20 World Cup, claiming that the Kiwis will struggle to beat the hosts.

 

Steyn shared his thoughts during a discussion with former South Africa captain AB de Villiers on his YouTube channel ahead of the title clash.

 

While discussing the match, Steyn brought up New Zealand’s record in ICC finals and pointed out that the team has lost five of the seven finals it has played. 

 

He joked that if New Zealand lose again, the “chokers” label often given to South Africa should move 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.

 

“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.

 

New Zealand have won two ICC finals in their history. The team defeated India in the final of the 2000 ICC KnockOut Trophy, which later became the Champions Trophy. 

 

They also beat India in the final of the ICC World Test Championship Final 2021.

 

During the same conversation, 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 to beat Australia in the final.

 

“I hate New Zealand for that. In 2015, they were never going to beat Australia in that final. And I mean, guys will hate me for saying this, but there was only one team that was going to beat Australia in Australia, and that was South Africa, alright. 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.

 

India will meet New Zealand in the final on March 8 at the Narendra Modi Stadium.