APL 2018, 1st Semi-final, Balkh Legends vs Nangarhar Leopards, Preview: The Legends set their eyes firm on the final berth

It is all boiling down to the business end of the inaugural edition of the Afghanistan Premier League (APL). The table toppers Balkh Legends will be up against the Nangarhar Leopards, who finished fourth. With a formidable side, the Legends have been the favourites to win the title right since the start.

They will love to live up to the expectations of the fans and progress to the final. The Legends won six out of eight matches this season. With Chris Gayle coming into his own at the right time, they will be the favourites to win the match.

However, the Nangarhar Leopards is one of the two teams to have defeated the Legends. Hence, this should give a major boost to their confidence levels. Although they narrowly made it into the knockouts, they’ve got the skill and resources to upset the opponents. The first semi-final between both these teams is definitely a contest to watch out for.

Team Combinations

Balkh Legends

To start off with things, it will be the dangerous pair of Chris Gayle and Colin Munro who will open the innings. Although Darwish Rasooli failed to get among the runs in the previous encounter, he will continue at number three. He will be followed by all-rounders Ryan ten Doeschate, Ravi Bopara and Mohammad Nabi. Gulbadin Naib is expected to make a comeback into the side. Ikram Ali Khil will don the gloves. Mirwais Ashraf, Aftab Alam and Qais Ahmed will complete the bowling line-up.

Predicted XI: Chris Gayle, Colin Munro, Darwish Rasooli, Ryan ten Doeschate, Ravi Bopara, Mohammad Nabi(c), Gulbadin Naib, Ikram Ali Khan(wk), Mirwais Ashraf, Aftab Alam, Qais Ahmed.

Nangarhar Leopards

Nangarhar Leopards will have a few changes that are to be made. The opening pair of Anton Devcich and Andre Fletcher will continue. Johnson Charles will have to be sidelined as they need to strengthen their bowling attack, unlike the last game. Also, he hasn’t done anything special to justify his place in the side and either of Mitchell McClenaghan or Sandeep Lamichhane could come in. Najeeb Tarakai is expected to replace Fazal Niazai in the XI.

Predicted XI: Anton Devcich, Andre Fletcher, Najeeb Tarakai, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Shafiqullah Shafiq(wk), Ben Cutting(c), Naveen-ul-Haq, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Zahir Khan, Sandeep Lamichhane/Mitchell McClenaghan.

Focus will be on

Chris Gayle (Balkh Legends)

The Universe Boss was at his destructive best in the teams’ previous encounter against the Kandahar Knights. He entertained the crowd with 73 off just 22 balls. The team’s score was 85 at the time he got out which shows how unstoppable he was. It was an absolute carnage as he got to his fifty in just 16 balls and was a treat to watch the other night. It would be great to witness a ‘Gayle Storm’ hit the desert once again.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman (Nangarhar Leopards)

While it is Chris Gayle at the striker’s end, it will be Mujeeb who will be taking the onus of picking his wicket. The off-spinner is very crafty and can outfox the best in the business. If he can remove both the openers early in the innings, the Leopards will stand a huge chance of winning the game.

Broadcast Details

TV – D Sport

Match Timings: 21:30 IST; 20:00 local

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