APL 2018, Match 7, Balkh Legends vs Paktia Panthers, Match Prediction: Who will win the match?

Will Chris Gayle make the difference in his debut APL game?

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Colin Munro
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Colin Munro. (Photo Source: Twitter)

The inaugural edition of the Afghanistan Premier League (APL) moves on as Balkh Legends and Paktia Panthers lock horns in the seventh match of the season. The Legends are sitting pretty at the top of the points table as they are the only team to have won both their opening games. Mohammad Nabi has led them well while the Panthers are also coming off a victory in their last game and would be keen to continue the winning momentum.

Mohammad Shahzad has been at the forefront of the action for the Paktia and he will hope that the others also support him at the top of the order. The overseas contingent comprising of Sikandar Raza and Shahid Afridi along with Cameron Delport has been doing extremely well and it is the local players who will have to come to the party in order to overcome the tough challenge of the Legends.

Nabi must be sitting relaxed having a sip of coffee. While his team has ticked almost all the boxes in their last two matches, the legendary Chris Gayle‘s availability is only going to strengthen them. Gulabadin Naib was the hero with the ball for them in the previous outing and a similar performance in this game should help them continue their winning streak further in the tournament.

Team Combinations

Paktia Panthers

Paktia won their last game by 21 runs but their death bowling looks extremely dull and they are often out of ideas when the batsmen go berserk against them. The batting line-up looks absolutely fine with the skipper firing at the top and they have decent hitters down the order. Isuru Udana emerged as the best bowler for them and the likes of Sharfuddin Ashraf and Yousuf Zazai also have to look to replicate the Sri Lankan to make amends for their poor show so far.

Probable XI: Mohammad Shahzad (c & wk), Ihsanullah Janat, Cameron Delport, Sikandar Raza, Samiullah Shenwari, Shahid Afridi, Isuru Udana, Sharafuddin Ashraf/Yamin Ahmadzai, Zia-ur-Rehman, Yousuf Zazai, Azmatullah Omarzai

Balkh Legends

Chris Gayle is available for the Legends and it will be interesting to see who makes way for the Universe Boss. The overseas contingent of Ravi Bopara, Ryan Ten Doeschate and Colin Munro has fared well so far and the team cannot risk benching Ben Laughlin who is known to do nail it at the death. Bopara might be the man to make way and it could be the only change for the Balkh in this game.

Predicted XI: Chris Gayle, Colin Munro, Usman Ghani, Ryan ten Doeschate, Darwish Rasooli, Mohammad Nabi (c), Gulbadin Naib, Ikram Ali Khil (wk), Ben Laughlin, Mirwais Ashraf, Aftab Alam

Probable Top Performers

Chris Gayle – Balkh Legends | Shahid Afridi – Paktia Panthers

Broadcast Details

TV – DSport

The prediction is for the Balkh Legends to continue their winning run in the tournament.

APL-2018-Match-Prediction-BALvPAK-Balk-Legends-vs-Paktia-Panthers-Match-Prediction

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