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Former South African pacer Dale Steyn believes that it would be all but impossible for New Zealand to defeat India in the grand finale of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 campaign, which will conclude on Sunday, March 8 in Ahmedabad.
Speaking on AB de Villiers’ YouTube channel, Steyn asserted that it would require a ‘monumental choke’ from India to lose the final, adding that he would be officially handing over the Chokers tag to the Kiwis from South Africa if they fail to win the final.
“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 told AB de Villiers on his YouTube channel.
“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.
Meanwhile, AB de Villiers, who is also part of the discussion, recalled the ICC ODI World Cup 2015 semi-final, stating that he ‘hates’ New Zealand for beating his team because they were ‘never going’ to win the final against Australia.
“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," AB de Villiers said.
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