APL 2018: Match 14, Balkh Legends vs Kabul Zwanan Preview: Heavy weights line-up for a breathtaking Sunday evening clash

The last time these two sides crossed paths, the Balkh Legends scampered through to the finish line quite easily. The dynamics have changed in the last few days though as both sides have found decent settled combinations and it would come as no surprise if both these teams play in the final on 21st.

Although Rashid Khan has not been as terrorizing as one would’ve expected, a new player in every game is stepping up for the Zwanan. Hazratullah Zazai registered a breathtaking century and the likes of Laurie Evans and Luke Ronchi are always there amongst the runs.

The legends too have tons of experience in their middle order, which comprises some very big names like Ryan ten Doeschate, Ravi Bopara and Colin Munro. This is the exact blockbuster that would lighten up a Sunday evening and brighten up the tournament.

Playing combinations

Balkh Legends

Munro and Gayle might be opening together and although the Windies legend has not been at his best, he will be trusted with a few more games. Doeschate has been magnificent thus far and the presence of Nabi in the middle order is always a bonus. Aftab Alam and Mirwais Ashraf have been in brilliant form and will be hoping to continue the same. Gulbadin Naib and Qais Ahmad are the other bowling options for the captain.

Probable XI: Chris Gayle, Colin Munro, Darwish Rasooli, Ryan ten Doeschate, Ravi Bopara, Ikram Ali Khil (wk), Mohammad Nabi (C), Gulbadin Naib, Mirwais Ashraf, Qais Ahmad, Aftab Alam

Kabul Zwanan

Ronchi and Hazratullah Zazai already have a couple of 100-run partnerships this tournament. Colin Ingram and Laurie Evans will be key in the middle alongside Javed Ahmadi. Rashid Khan will be accompanied by the experienced campaigner Wayne Parnell, Zamir Khan, Fareed Ahmad and Muslim Musa in the bowling lineup.

Probable XI: Luke Ronchi (wk), Hazratullah Zazai, Colin Ingram, Javed Ahmadi, Laurie Evans, Shahidullah Kamal, Rashid Khan (c), Wayne Parnell, Zamir Khan, Fareed Ahmad, Muslim Musa

Focus will be on

Chris Gayle (Balkh Legends)

Is Chris Gayle’s poor run suggesting his end or is it just a silence before a storm? This is one question which is haunting their fans and they’d be hoping it’s the second one. Gayle time and again has proven that he can be lethal no matter how much he ages and he would not love to leave the APL without leaving his mark.

Laurie Evans (Kabul Zwanan)

One of the surprise packages of the tournament, Laurie Evans has amassed 218 runs already and is certainly hunting for the highest run-scorer prize. The English batsman has been a strong presence in the middle order, chipping in pretty much every game. For Kabul to go all the way, he might have to play an instrumental role in the coming games.

Stat Attack

2 – Aftab Alam needs 2 more wickets to complete 100 wickets in competitive cricket (First-class + List-A + T20s)

350 – This will be the 350th T20 game for Chris Gayle

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