Dale Steyn to officially hand ‘chokers’ tag to New Zealand after T20 World Cup final

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 on Sunday, March 8, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Before the title clash, former South Africa fast bowler Dale Steyn had created a huge buzz over the “chokers tag” that is mainly associated with the Proteas side, who crashed out of the T20 World Cup 2026 following a crushing nine-wicket loss to New Zealand in the first semifinal.

South Africa’s painful history in ICC knockouts

For many years, the “chokers” tag has followed the South Africa National Cricket Team because they often lost important knockout matches even after reaching strong positions in the ICC events. The Proteas tried to change that story when they lifted the ICC World Test Championship title in 2025.

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However, their struggles in the white-ball tournaments have again brought the debate back into the spotlight. In recent years, South Africa has repeatedly come close but failed to finish the job. In the 2024 T20 World Cup, they dominated the tournament with eight straight wins but lost the final to India.

The story repeated itself again in the 2026 edition when they remained unbeaten through the group and Super 8 stages before being knocked out in the semifinal by the Kiwis. Even in the ICC Champions Trophy last year, South Africa’s campaign ended in the semifinal after another defeat against New Zealand.

New Zealand under the radar for surrenders in knockouts

The story is the same with New Zealand, as they have built a reputation for reaching big finals but not always 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 have 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 finish the job. As the Black Caps are now preparing for another ICC final, the legendary pacer 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 the YouTube channel of former South African captain AB de Villiers, Dale Steyn has suggested that if New Zealand once again fail to win the World Cup, the infamous “chokers” tag should be shifted away from South Africa and land on the Black Caps.

He said that the term will officially shift to the Black Caps if India defeats them in the T20 World Cup 2026 final, as they have already reached multiple finals but have not lifted the cup.

Dale Steyn told AB de Villiers, "Everyone likes to call South Africa chokers. NZ haven't won many World Cups themselves, and they have been in more finals than we have. Please go on to win (2026). Otherwise, I am formally handing over the choker's card to you; it's yours.”

🚨DALE STEYN ON SOUTH AFRICA "CHOKERS" TAG.🚨

Dale Steyn said, "Everyone likes to call South Africa chokers. NZ haven't won many World Cups themselves, and they have been in more finals than we have. Please go on to win (2026). Otherwise, I am formally handing over chokers card… pic.twitter.com/cRQDQurq5s

— Sam (@Cricsam01) March 7, 2026