APL 2018, Match 13, Kandahar Knights vs Nangarhar Leopards, Preview: A potential knockout awaits as the Knights crave for a win under their belt

The Kandahar Knights have had a dreadful start to the season in the inaugural edition of the Afghanistan Premier League (APL). They have lost four games in a row now. This potentially puts their semi-final chances under threat. Another loss here against the Nangarhar Leopards could knock them out quite early in the tournament.

The Nangarhar Leopards will be going into this game on the back of a good win on Friday. The Leopards will have the momentum on their side and it won’t be an easy job to do for the Knights if they are to upset the visitors. The Knights have particularly struggled with their batting in the tournament. This has resulted in them losing the close games. The batting unit will have to really come together if they are hoping to progress forward in the season.

Playing Combinations

Kandahar Knights

Although he failed in the last game, Riki Wessels could get another chance to open the innings with Paul Stirling. Bredon McCullum will continue to play in the middle order to strengthen it. He will be followed by Asghar Afghan, Nasir Jamal, Kevin O’Brien in the middle order. Najibullah Zadran will have to take up the role of a finisher. Karim Janat, Mohammad Naveed, Sayed Shirzad and Waqar Salamkheil will be the four bowlers.

Probable XI: Paul Stirling, Riki Wessels, Brendon McCullum, Asghar Afghan(c), Nasir Jamal, Kevin O’Brien, Najibullah Zadran, Karim Janat, Mohammad Naveed, Sayed Shirzad, Waqar Salamkheil.

Nangarhar Leopards

They wouldn’t want to tweak much with their line-up and might continue with an unchanged XI. Anton Devich will open the innings along with Johnson Charles. The middle-order will consist of Hashmatullah Shahidi, Imran Janat (or Andre Russell, if fit), Ben Cutting and Rahmat Shah. Shafiqullah Shafiq will don the gloves behind the wickets. It will be Mitchell McClenaghan, Naveen-ul-Haq, Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Zahir Khan who will fill up the bowling department.

Probable XI: Anton Devcich, Johnson Charles, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Imran Janat/Andre Russell, Ben Cutting(c), Rahmat Shah, Shafiqullah Shafiq, Mitchell McClenaghan, Naveen-ul-Haq, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Zahir Khan

Focus will be on

Sayed Shirzad (Kandahar Knights)

Sayed Shirzad was brilliant with the ball on the other night with the ball. In the game against Paktia Panthers, he picked up four wickets in 3.2 overs and conceded just 19 runs. He picked the important scalp of Cameron Delport and was quick to wrap the tail up. Yet again, his team will be hoping for a similar performance and there will be high expectations on him.

Anton Devcich (Nangarhar Leopards)

With 239 runs in five games, Anton Devcich is the leading run-scorer of APL 2018 thus far. He is an extremely crucial member in the side and can come in handy with the ball if required. In the last game, he took just 46 deliveries to score 77 runs and the stakes will be placed high for him in this game as well.

Broadcast Details

TV – D Sport

Match Timings: 21:30 IST; 20:00 local

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