APL 2018: Match 15, Nangarhar Leopards vs Paktia Panthers, Preview: Leopards aim to climb higher; Panthers look to bounce back after defeat

With the knockout stage of the inaugural edition of the Afghanistan Premier League just a week away, it’s time for teams to grab those last-minute crucial points. That’s something the Nangarhar Leopards will have to focus on, especially if they wish to see themselves in the semi-finals. The fact that the tournament is formed of only 5 teams, out of which 4 progress to the semi-finals, makes qualification an easier task. But each of the teams have another 3 matches to play before the semis get underway, which could completely change the complexion of the points table.

The Leopards, led by veteran Australian all-rounder Ben Cutting, are currently at 4th position with 4 points. However, what could possibly reassure them is the fact that the Kandahar Knights, who are languishing at the bottom of the table, are yet to open their account. Nangarhar have another 3 games to play, and a win against the Paktia Panthers on Sunday could possibly secure a spot in the semis for them. They’d also hope to make considerable improvements to their net run rate, which currently stands at a dismal -0.372.

On the other hand, the Panthers are in the top three on the table but will look to bounce back after a humiliating defeat against the Balkh Legends, which has harmed their NRR. They’re almost through to the knockout stages, but they’d do well to go into the semis with a few wins on the trot. It’ll be the Leopards who’ll be desperately looking for the win though when the two teams meet on Sunday at Sharjah.

Playing Combinations

Nangarhar Leopards

On paper, the Nangarhar Leopards look like the more potent side. They have both the leading run-scorer as well as the leading wicket-taker in the tournament at the moment. Their opening combination of Anton Devcich and Johnston Charles has worked perfectly for them. The duo is followed by the able Hashmatullah Shahidi and Imran Janat.

Next comes skipper and all-rounder Ben Cutting, who’s bagged 10 scalps in the tournament already. The Leopards also have the services of Afghanistan’s teenage sensation Mujeeb Ur Rahman. The pace attack will be led by Mitchell McClenaghan who’ll be supported by Naveen-ul-Haq.

Probable XI: Anton Devcich, Johnston Charles, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Imran Janat, Ben Cutting (C), Rahmat Shah, Shafiqullah Shafiq (wk), Mitchell McClenaghan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Naveen-ul-Haq, Zahir Khan

Paktia Panthers

Meanwhile, the Paktia Panthers have a decent top order, who’ve made sizable contributions to each of their victories so far in the APL. The trio of Mohammad Shahzad, Cameron Delport and Sikandar Raza are scoring the bulk of the runs for the Panthers, with skipper Shahzad leading the pack.

Their middle-order is yet to contribute substantially, but the likes of Samiullah Shenwari, Calum Macleod and Mohammad Sardar have sufficient firepower. In the bowling department, they will be relying on Sri Lanka fast bowler Isuru Udana. He will share the attack with Azmatullah Omarzai and Yamin Ahmadzai.

Probable XI: Mohammad Shahzad (C & wk), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Cameron Delport, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Sikandar Raza, Calum McLeod, Samiullah Shenwari, Mohammad Sardar, Azmatullah Omarzai, Isuru Udana, Yamin Ahmadzai

Focus will be on:

Anton Devcich (Nangarhar Leopards)

New Zealand’s opener Anton Devcich has been in devastating form for the Nangarhar Leopards, having already amassed close to 250 runs from 5 matches. The Kiwi batsman is striking the ball at 143.11 and averages a whopping 59.75. Devcich is currently the leading run-getter in the Afghanistan Premier League, and there are few bowlers who can put a stop to his onslaught at present. Against Kabul, he smashed 77 runs off just 46 deliveries, setting the tone for a Leopards victory over Zwanan.

Isuru Udana (Paktia Panthers)

Paceman Isuru Udana has topped the charts for his side with 9 wickets. Udana is a talented left-arm fast-bowling allrounder, who possesses variety and changes of pace. His hallmark is his variety of slower balls, including one out of the back of his hand that has brought him considerable success at the top level. If the Panthers are to stop the fireworks at the top of the order from Devcich and Charles, Isuru Udana will have to play a major role.

Stat Attack

100 – Samiullah Shenwari’s number of T20 matches in his career.

32– Runs Johnson Charles needs to complete 3000 T20 runs.

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