Dale Steyn picks New Zealand as dark horses for the World Cup, calls Australia annoying

Dale Steyn (c) rates New Zealand as a dark horse to win the upcoming World Cup

South Africa fast bowler Dale Steyn has said that co-hosts New Zealand are a dark horse to win the ICC Cricket World Cup to be held in February-March of next year.

Although New Zealand have never won the World Cup until now, they have had the happy knack of making the semi-finals of ICC events, which is a fantastic achievement considering the fact that cricket is not their No.1 sport and for a country of their size.

South Africa will be travelling to New Zealand for a 3-match ODI series later this month, which will provide the Proteas a good opportunity of acclimatizing to the local conditions ahead of the all-important World Cup.

Steyn picks New Zealand as dark horses for the World Cup

Steyn knows exactly how dangerous New Zealand can be when it comes to ICC events, as it were the Kiwis who knocked out the highly fancied South Africans during the quarter-final stage of the 2011 World Cup held in the sub-continent.

"New Zealand are a dark horse team whenever there is a tournament around," the 31-year-old told the South African media. "They are one of those teams that can be nowhere for three years and get to a World Cup and they just suddenly turn it on."

South Africa have fallen agonizingly short of going all the way in previous tournaments, but they should have no excuse this time around. Apart from having an excellent side on paper, they are also getting the perfect preparation possible for the quadrennial tournament as they will be playing Australia in 5 ODIs Down Under following the short series in New Zealand.

Australia have given South Africa a fair amount of heartache over the years, most memorably during the 1999 World Cup when they knocked out the latter at the semi-final stage before going on to win the tournament.

“Australia are annoying”

Steyn’s dislike for the Australian team is well known, having recently stated that he hasn’t forgiven Australian captain Michael Clarke for a sledge that he made during the Test series between the two fierce rivals earlier this year. With there being a lot to play for in the coming months, it is unlikely that Steyn’s relations with the men from Down Under are going to improve anytime soon.

"We all know Australia are a good team. They're in your face all the time. It's pretty annoying really," the South African fast bowler said.

South Africa’s ODI series against New Zealand starts in Mount Maunganui on October 21 and ends in Hamilton on October 27, after which they will be travelling to Australia for 5 more ODIs.