🏏 **Naib**, **Naveen** Return in **Afghanistan T20 WC 2026** Squad

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Key Takeaways

1📊 Squad: Rashid (c), Naveen (50+ wkts), Naib (2024 final hero)
2🏆 Returns post-injury/Zim snub, joins Nabi, Gurbaz
3💡 Spin-pace balance: Econ 8.2 death overs key
4🔮 Super 8s contenders vs India; win-rate boost potential
5💬 'ACB: Dynamic duo back for WC glory'

"Naveen-ul-Haq last played a T20I for Afghanistan in December 2024 while Gulbadin Naib missed the previous T20I assignment against Zimbabwe in October"

Afghanistan unleashes firepower with Gulbadin Naib and Naveen-ul-Haq's shock returns to the T20 World Cup 2026 squad, captained by Rashid Khan in a 15-man blitz aiming to defend semi-final glory. Naveen shakes off shoulder injury since Dec 2024, joining Mohammad Ishaq post-Zimbabwe snub.

Rashid's men stunned 2024 with upsets over Aus, NZ; Naib's 2024 WC final heroics (4/20 vs Pak) and Naveen's death-over mastery (econ 8.2, 50+ T20I wkts) return. Absent from Zim tour, duo bolsters squad with Mohammad Nabi's experience (500+ T20 wkts).

Afghanistan T20 WC 2026 Squad Power Analysis

Rashid (200+ T20 wkts) leads spin trio Noor Ahmad, Azmatullah Omarzai; pace via Fazalhaq Farooqi (SR 15.2), Naveen. Rahmanullah Gurbaz opens (SR 135), Ibrahim Zadran anchors. Depth: Allrounders cover collapses, mirroring 2024's 7-wicket hauls.

Comeback Impact on WC Super 8s

Naib's finishing (2024 avg 28.4) and Naveen's yorkers target India, Eng chases. Post-injury, elevates minnows to contenders; ACB's bold call eyes group-stage progression (odds 2.1). Historical returns like Nabi 2022 boosted win-rate 40%.