APL 2018, Semi-final 2, Paktia Panthers vs Kabul Zwanan, Match Prediction: Who will win the match?

One thing that can be promised is that there will be no dearth of entertainment or competitiveness in this game.

Published - 20 Oct 2018, 14:52 IST | Updated - 20 Oct 2018, 14:52 IST

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After a breathtaking, yet another one-sided encounter in the first semifinal, Kabul Zwanan and Paktia Panthers clash for the other spot in the final. These two sides kickstarted the tournament and also played the final group game and each side registered a win each.

Two of the finest prospects in Afghan cricket, Rashid Khan and Mohammad Shahzad are leading the respective teams and this promises to be a more hard-fought contest than the first semi-final. Both sides have some big names in their squads and it will be a tough call for the skippers to decide the XI.

One thing that can be promised is that there will be no dearth of entertainment in this game. The Panthers get into this encounter with form and momentum on their side, but these facets play a very little role in deciding a T20 outcome. Rashid Khan will be back in the XI and the onus will remain on him to deliver the goods.

Pitch

Whilst the first-semifinal was being played, there was a pitch next to it covered by a mat. If the game is played on that track, we might see another high-scoring encounter. But if that track is reserved for the finals and the other one which was used on Friday will be in play, the batsmen will find it a little difficult as the pitch seemed a bit tired towards the end of the previous game.

Team Combinations

Paktia Panthers

The skipper Mohammad Shahzad will open the innings alongside Ihsanullah Janat, who had an injury scare but he might be featuring in the XI. Samiullah Shenwari and Shahid Afridi will be comprising the middle order along with Cameron Delport and will have a crucial role to play. Isuru Udana will lead the bowling attack alongside young Ziaw Rahman, Tahir Khan, Yousuf Zazai and Sharafuddin Ashraf.

Predicted XI: Mohammad Shahzad(c)(wk), Ihsanullah Janat/Fazal Zazai, Cameron Delport, Samiullah Shenwari, Shahid Afridi, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Isuru Udana, Ziaw Rahman, Tahir Khan, Yousuf Zazai.

Kabul Zwanan

The destructive opening combination of Luke Ronchi and Hazratullah Zazai will continue to open with Colin Ingram, Laurie Evans and Warne Parnell coming in the middle order. Rashid Khan will be playing the finisher’s role with the bat. Muslim Musa will be accompanied by Rashid, Fareed Ahmad and Zahir Shehzad in the bowling attack.

Predicted XI: Luke Ronchi(wk), Hazratullah Zazai, Wayne Parnell, Colin Ingram, Laurie Evans, Shawkat Zaman, Shahidullah Kamal, Rashid Khan(c), Muslim Musa, Fareed Ahmad, Zahir Shehzad.