Why Noor Ahmad is Not Playing Today in NZ vs AFG T20 World Cup 2026?

Match 4 of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup sees New Zealand take on Afghanistan in an important group-stage clash at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, which is among the oldest cricket stadiums in India. Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan called correctly at the toss and chose to bat first, backing his side to post a competitive total on a surface known for slowing down as the match progresses.

The decision shows Afghanistan’s confidence in their top order, with aggressive openers expected to set the tone before their spin-heavy bowling unit looks to exploit Chepauk’s dry conditions in the second innings. New Zealand, meanwhile, comes into the contest after losing their last T20 series against India by 4-1, but on the bright side, that series must have helped them to be aware of the challenges posed by quality spin in subcontinental venues.

Both sides are coming in with a different approach, as Afghanistan is going in with three spinners, while New Zealand has a solitary spin option in their skipper, Mitchell Santner. Surprisingly, Noor Ahmad will not be featuring for the Afghan side in this clash.

Why Noor Ahmad is Not Playing Today in NZ vs AFG T20 World Cup 2026?

Afghanistan have opted to leave Noor Ahmad out of their playing XI for the T20 World Cup 2026 clash against New Zealand as part of a tactical selection call. The team management has decided to go in with three specialist spinners with the likes of Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Mohammad Nabi on a surface like the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, which traditionally helps spin.

While the left-arm leg spinner remains one of the best T20 bowler, Afghanistan have preferred Mujeeb Ur Rahman as Noor Ahmad replacement for this encounter, which is slightly strange as Noor has been splendid in recent matches and he also plays for the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL, so he would have a better idea of how the pitch plays out in Chennai.

Afghanistan Looking Strong to Provide a Setback to the Kiwis

Afghanistan are looking in control of the contest and well placed to derail New Zealand’s plans after an impressive batting performance in the first innings. Batting first, the Afghans made full use of the conditions to register 182 runs, which ensured the Black Caps were left with a challenging target. Afghan bowlers then wasted no time, striking twice in the 2nd over inside the powerplay to remove Finn Allen and Rachin Ravindra, two of New Zealand’s most dangerous batters in the format.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman got both these wickets and proved why he was trusted by the management to feature in this clash. These early breakthroughs have tilted the balance in Afghanistan’s favour, and now the Kiwis rely on their middle order, especially the likes of Glenn Philipps and Daryl Mitchell, to bring them out of early trouble.