APL 2018, Match 18, Kandahar Knights vs Paktia Panthers Preview: Knights clash with the Panthers in a do-or-die game

With just four games remaining in the group stages, every game promises to provide some scintillating action.

Published - 16 Oct 2018, 21:55 IST | Updated - 16 Oct 2018, 21:55 IST

3 Min Read

Kandahar Knights got off to the worst start among all the teams, but their recent win against the Nangarhar Leopards helped them stay alive in the tournament ever so slightly. They have two games in hand now and they have to win both games and expect some results to go in their favour.

Paktia Panthers are sitting relatively comfortably, but they have to win one of their remaining two games to confirm their berth. If they don’t they might get on level terms with Nangarhar Leopards and Knights on the points table, which will bring the equation down to the net run rate.

This is the exact drama that makes the business end of the group stages exciting. The intricate mathematics, nerve-wracking action and some pretty amazing cricket. With just four games remaining in the group stages, every game promises to provide some scintillating action.

Team combinations

Paktia Panthers

The very exuberant Shahzad and Ihsanullah Janat have been a great source of rapture and thrill thus far and nothing less is expected in the upcoming games. Sikandar Raza, Samullah Shenwari and Cameron Delport will be forming the middle order for the Panthers. Ziaw Rahman, Yamin Ahmadzai, Sharafuddin Ashraf will be assisting Isuru Udana, who has been one of the best bowlers in the tournament.

Probable XI: Mohammad Shahzad (c & wk), Ishanullah Janat, Cameron Delport, Sikandar Raza, Samiullah Shenwari, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Shahid Afridi, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Ziaw Rahman, Isuru Udana, Yousuf Zazai/Yamin Ahmadzai

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, Karim Sadiq, Brendon McCullum, Asghar Afghan (c), Riki Wessels (wk), Najibullah Zadran, Sayed Shirzad, Mohammad Naveed, Nasir Jamal, Karim Janat, Waqar Salamkheil

Focus will be on

Isuru Udana (Paktia Panthers)

The Sri Lankan bowler is certainly heating up the APL with his exceptional renditions. He might as well knock the doors of the national team if he manages to end the tournament on a high. His experience of playing against few of the best lineups is paying off big time and Shahzad needs him to fire for a few more games in order to win the title.

Asghar Afghan (Kandahar Knights)

The captain of the Afghan national side and the Knights, Asghar Afghan is one prolific presence in the middle order for his team. He played some good knocks, but that were of no great help for Kandahar. His experience and incredible strokeplay can always come in handy and entertain the fans.