Why is Noor Ahmad not playing in NZ vs AFG T20 World Cup 2026 match? That is the big question after Afghanistan announced their playing XI against New Zealand, with the left-arm wrist spinner missing from the lineup in Chennai.
Afghanistan won the toss and opted to bat first in the New Zealand vs Afghanistan T20 World Cup 2026 clash. However, the absence of Noor Ahmad has surprised many, especially because this match is being played in Chennai, a venue he knows extremely well from the IPL.
NZ vs AFG Playing XI: Noor Ahmad Missing
Here is the Afghanistan playing XI vs New Zealand:
Afghanistan playing XI: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (w), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan (c), Fazalhaq Farooqi, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Ziaur Rahman Sharifi.
Notably absent: Noor Ahmad.
New Zealand Playing XI: Finn Allen, Tim Seifert (w), Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner (c), James Neesham, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson and Jacob Duffy.
With NZ vs AFG live underway, fans immediately began asking: why is Noor Ahmad not playing today? Another common query that has been floating around is why Trent Boult is not playing, although those are for very different reasons.
Was Noor Ahmad Dropped Due to Form?
If we look at Noor Ahmad’s T20I stats since 2025, there is little evidence of poor form.
- 10 matches
- 13 wickets
- Average: 20.23
- Economy: 7.30
Compared to Afghanistan’s other bowlers:
- Rashid Khan – 26 wickets in 16 matches
- Mujeeb Ur Rahman – 19 wickets
- Azmatullah Omarzai – 14 wickets
Noor’s numbers are competitive. His economy rate remains under control, and his strike rate suggests he has continued to pick up wickets regularly.
Across global T20 leagues since 2025, his returns are even stronger. In the IPL, he has taken 24 wickets in 14 matches, including a four-wicket haul. That makes the question — is Noor Ahmad dropped? — even more relevant.
There has been no injury update from Afghanistan, which suggests this may not be a fitness issue.
Afghanistan Bowlers – T20I Record Since 2025
| Player | Inns | Wickets | Average | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rashid Khan | 15 | 26 | 12.34 | 5.63 |
| Mujeeb Ur Rahman | 12 | 19 | 16.78 | 6.83 |
| Azmatullah Omarzai | 15 | 14 | 19.92 | 7.57 |
| Abdollah Ahmadzai | 8 | 13 | 18.07 | 9.15 |
| Noor Ahmad | 10 | 13 | 20.23 | 7.30 |
| Fazalhaq Farooqi | 9 | 11 | 22.09 | 8.14 |
Tactical Call in NZ vs AFG T20 World Cup 2026?
The likely explanation behind why is Noor Ahmad not playing in NZ vs AFG appears to be team combination.
Afghanistan have gone in with three frontline pacers — Fazalhaq Farooqi, Azmatullah Omarzai and Ziaur Rahman Sharifi — along with seam support from Gulbadin Naib. Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Mohammad Nabi form the spin trio.
Captain Rashid Khan indicated that conditions may offer help to both spinners later and fast bowlers early if they hit the right areas. That balance may have forced Afghanistan to choose between their spin options.
With Rashid and Mujeeb automatic selections, Noor Ahmad seems to have missed out in this NZ vs AFG playing XI call due to tactical balance rather than performance concerns.
Why is Noor Ahmad Not Playing Today? Final Verdict
At this stage, there is no confirmed injury update. Based on available information, why is Noor Ahmad not playing today appears to be a tactical selection decision for the New Zealand vs Afghanistan T20 World Cup 2026 match in Chennai.
Given his recent form and IPL success, this looks more like a rotation or conditions-based omission rather than a long-term concern for Afghanistan’s campaign.
If Afghanistan progress deeper into the tournament, Noor Ahmad could still play a key role in future matches.
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