former South Africa national cricket team Pace legend Dale Stein The bold statement comes ahead of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup final that the New Zealand national cricket team could inherit the long-standing ‘Choke’ tag if they fail to beat hosts India in Sunday’s title clash in Ahmedabad.Team New Zealand beats rivals to advance to finals SteinThe first semi-final was played at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata by Cricket South Africa, the former club of the South African national cricket team. The victory helped the Black Caps reach the T20 World Cup final for the second time in their history.
Meanwhile, India beat the England cricket team by seven runs in a thrilling high-scoring semi-final in Mumbai on Thursday to advance to the pinnacle showdown.Speak in a YouTube discussion with former teammates AB de VilliersSteyn said New Zealand had reached the ICC finals several times in recent years and should be closely watched if they failed to advance again.“To be honest, everyone likes to call South Africa the chokers, but I’m going to say this. New Zealand haven’t won many World Cups per se, but they’ve been to more finals than we have. So, New Zealand, no offense, but please keep winning this tournament,” Stein said during a chat with AB de Villiers on his YouTube channel.“Otherwise, I officially hand this card to you; it’s yours. I love New Zealand, but they’re not going to beat India.”Steyn also highlighted the Blackcaps’ multiple appearances in global finals in recent years. New Zealand entered the championship matches of the 2019 Cricket World Cup, 2021 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and 2025 ICC Champions Trophy but finished as runners-up each time.The former fast bowler, who took over 400 wickets in Test cricket, believes India have the upper hand heading into the final. Steyn believes the hosts will need to endure a dramatic collapse for New Zealand to emerge victorious.“It’s going to take a huge pushback from India. I call it; it’s possible. I really want them (New Zealand) to win, but do I think they’re going to beat India? No,” Steyn said.Overall, New Zealand have reached eight ICC Championship finals since winning the ICC Knockout Trophy in 2000, but have only lifted one trophy during this period – the 2021 ICC World Test Championship final, where they defeated India.
