South African pace express Dale Steyn has branded New Zealand as the 'dark horse' of the upcoming Cricket World Cup.
South Africa is about to play New Zealand in three ODIs before three clashes with Australia, eager to get match practice in the conditions of the two hosts of the World Cup that runs from February 14 to March 29.
South Africa are desperate to shrug off their World Cup choker tag, with memories still raw from their quarterfinal exit at the last tournament, where they were upset by New Zealand, Stuff.co.nz reported.
Chasing 222 for victory, South Africa collapsed to be all out for 172. Steyn said that it was that sort of effort that emphasised the dangers New Zealand presented.
Steyn said that New Zealand are a dark horse team whenever there is a tournament around. He said that they all know Australia is a good team, adding that they're in ones face all the time and it is pretty annoying really.
The pacer said that New Zealand is one of those teams that can be nowhere for three years and get to a World Cup and they just suddenly turn it on.
Steyn also feels that the short tour is a vital component in South Africa's World Cup buildup. He said that for them it's important that guys like Quinton de Kock go there and familiarize themselves with those conditions and the players they're going to be playing against.