APL 2018: Match 4, Nangarhar Leopards vs Paktia Panthers, Preview: On song Leopards lock horns with the wounded Panthers

The Nangarhar Leopards kick-started their APL campaign with a comprehensive win whilst their opponents had to suffer a demoralizing defeat to the Kabul Zwanan. To bottle the advantage of scoring over 200 runs in the first innings is never a great feeling and it will be interesting to see how the Panthers will come prepared for this game.

Skipper Ben Cutting inspired his troops to a win by leading from the front. His five-fer against the Kandahar Knights played a crucial role in shifting momentum into their favor and once again, he will be keen to replicate the heroics. Andre Russell might be joining the side after this game.

The Panthers, on the other side, got everything right with the bat, but failed miserably with the ball. They kept picking wickets at regular intervals, but could never stem the run flow. This game is of paramount importance for Paktia as two defeats on the trot will not do their confidence any good.

Playing Combinations

Nangarhar Leopards

Johnson Charles and Najeeb Tarakai will be opening the batting with Kiwi youngster Anton Devcich coming in at number 3. They have some amazing local stars in the middle like Rahmat Shah, Shahidi and Shafiqullah, who give a stable look to the lineup. The duo of Mujeeb and Zahir didn’t have a great outing on Saturday but they can be lethal on their day. Naveen-ul-Haq will be keen to continue his good form.

Predicted XI: Johnson Charles, Anton Devcich, Najeeb Tarakai, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Shafiqullah Shafiq (wk), Ben Cutting (c), Mitchell McClenaghan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Naveen-ul-Haq, Zahir Khan

Paktia Panthers

Skipper Shahzad will once again open the innings alongside Ihsanullah, with Cameron Delport, Sikandar Raza, Calum MacLeod, and Samiullah Shenwari forming the middle order. They also have Shahid Afridi who can be used as a floater. The bowling unit made an awful lot of mistakes and the likes of Zia-ur-Rehman, Yousuf Zazai, and Tahir Khan will be keen to turn the tables. Afridi’s experience will come in handy in the middle overs.

Predicted XI: Shahid Afridi, Calum MacLeod, Samiullah Shenwari, Mohammad Shahzad (c & wk), Sikandar Raza, Cameron Delport, Ihsanullah Janat, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Zia-ur-Rehman, Tahir Khan, Yousuf Zazai

Focus will be on

Shafiqullah Shafiq (Nangarhar Leopards)

Afghanistan’s second choice wicket-keeper Shafiqullah Shafiq is keen to earn a place in the World Cup squad and a good performance in the APL can help him attain his goals. He started off with a bang in this tournament with a brilliant cameo in the final few overs. He is a crucial member of this lineup and will be keen to make his presence felt.

Sikandar Raza (Paktia Panthers)

Sikandar Raza is always known for his exploits in the shortest format and the all-rounder did a fantastic job in the first game. Although he failed miserably with the ball, his 78-run knock with the willow will be remembered for a long time. He certainly has raised the expectations and his side needs more from him to turn the tables around.

Stat Attack

2 – Mitchell McClenaghan picked up just 2 wickets in his last five T20 outings

100 – Mohammad Shahzad will be playing his 100th game in T20s

Broadcast Details

TV – D Sport

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