APL 2018, Match 1, Kabul Zwanan vs Paktia Panthers, Preview: Rashid Khan and Mohammad Shahzad in focus in the tournament opener

Both sides look pretty balanced on paper and this game should turn out to be an entertaining prospect.

Published - 04 Oct 2018, 21:07 IST | Updated - 04 Oct 2018, 21:07 IST

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A new era in Afghan cricket will commence with a clash between Kabul Zwanan and Paktia Panthers at the iconic Sharjah stadium in UAE. There are some pretty big names on both the squad lists, but the focus will remain on the new stalwart of Afghan cricket, Rashid Khan.

The young sensation is currently ranked number one amongst the all-rounders in ODIs and number 1 bowler in T20Is. This will be a huge tournament for him as he will be captaining the Kabul franchise and their future depends on his performances.

On the other hand, the very exuberant Mohammad Shahzad will be leading the Paktia unit and he has some very experienced T20 players like Shahid Afridi, Sikandar Raza and Cameron Delport. Both sides look pretty balanced on paper and this game should turn out to be an entertaining prospect.

Playing Combinations

Kabul Zwanan

A lot will depend on how the experienced Javed Ahmadi turns up with the bat for Kabul and they also have the experience of Laurie Evans and Afsar Zazai in the middle order. Rashid Khan and Wayne Parnell will have a huge responsibility as they will have to pull out their A game across all three departments. They have three bowling options in Ali Khan, Fareed Ahmad and Zamir Khan apart from the skipper and Parnell.

Predicted XI: Javed Ahmadi, Hazratullah Zazai, Shawkat Zaman, Laurie Evans, Shahidullah Kamal, Afsar Zazai (wk), Rashid Khan (c), Wayne Parnell, Ali Khan, Fareed Ahmad, Zamir Khan

Paktia Panthers

On paper, they look a bit stronger than their opponents. Calum MacLeod and Shahzad will open with a lot of experience in the middle order in the form of Cameron Delport, Samiullah Shenwari, Sikandar Raza and Shahid Afridi. Zia-ur-Rehman and Azmatullah will hold the key for the Panthers with the ball and a good couple of spells are expected from Afridi and Raza.

Predicted XI: Calum MacLeod, Mohammad Shahzad (c & wk), Cameron Delport, Samiullah Shenwari, Sikandar Raza, Shahid Afridi, Yousuf Zazai, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Yamin Ahmadzai, Zia-ur-Rehman, Azmatullah

Focus will be on

Rashid Khan (Kabul Zwanan)

Needless to mention who will hog the limelight the most in this fixture. Rashid Khan has been performing his heart out in all the T20 leagues he has been playing and this will be a lot more special. Not a lot of experience is available in their side and the world-class leggie will be eager to contribute his best with both bat and ball.

Calum MacLeod (Paktia Panthers)

Not a lot of people might’ve heard the Scottish cricketer’s name, but Calum MacLeod came into limelight with a breathtaking century against Afghanistan. The 29-year-old swept the life out of Rashid Khan in his 173-run knock and is a good exponent against spin. He will be a crucial member of the Panthers side in the coming games.