NOOR AHMAD HAS EVERYONE IN A SPIN WITH FIRST BETWAY SA20 FIVE-FOR

There must be something in the water in Afghanistan that has the Asian nation producing mystery spinners by the bucketload.

MI Cape Town captain Rashid Khan is, of course, the torchbearer along with the likes of Mujeeb ur Rahman and Joburg Super Kings’ Zahir Khan.

They travel all over the world weaving their magic tricks and casting spells on the opposition batters.

But they have also provided inspiration to a whole new generation of spinners that are equally dangerous and deceptive.

The latest off the Afghanistan conveyor belt is Noor Ahmad. The 19-year-old is already a global sensation and it was no surprise that Durban’s Super Giants had no hesitation in calling him up  to replace Sri Lankan speedster Dilshan Madushanka for the Betway SA20 Season 2.

Noor had already enjoyed an incredible debut season at the IPL 2023 where he picked up 16 wickets in 13 matches at an impressive economy of 7.82 for the eventual runners up, Gujarat Titans. He was also hugely influential in Afghanistan’s successful run at last year’s ICC World Cup in India.

And on Sunday afternoon at Kingsmead, Noor took centre stage for DSG by grabbing the first five-wicket haul of Season 2. His 5/11 was achieved in just 3.2 overs that helped skittle the Royals for just 83 in response to DSG’s mammoth 208/7.

Noor was on a hat-trick on two occasions as he sent Royals captain David Miller and Andile Phehlukwayo back to the pavilion with successive deliveries before repeating the act against Obed McCoy and Tabraiz Shamsi. Bjorn Fortuin was also part of his five victims.

“Absolutely special (Noor Ahmad). He's always delivered and is a world-class performer which is why we got him here. He's young in his career and has done wonderful things,” DSG captain Keshav Maharaj said about his star spinner.

Afghanistan coach Jonathan Trott has also heaped praise on Noor Ahmad previously and has predicted a bright future for the youngster.

"The sky's the limit for him (Noor)," said Trott. "It's a real talent for such a young lad to be able to get that many revs on the ball and spin it the amount he does.

"That's all I say to him just keep spinning it as much as you can."