APL 2018, Match 7, Balkh Legends vs Paktia Panthers, Preview: The Legends aim for a third consecutive win

It has been just six games in the tournament but only one team has remained unbeaten the Balkh Legends. They managed to scamper through in their opening two games and will be eager to get a third on the trot. Of all the sides in the league right now, they seem to have the perfect blend of youth and experience which certainly is paying off on the field.

One of the major headlines for this game will be the debut of T20 legend and the Universe Boss, Chris Gayle. The Jamaican missed out the first few games but is all set to open the innings alongside Colin Munro. This addition will add more strength to the side and Nabi will have lesser things to be concerned about.

Talking about concerns, Nabi’s opposite number for the day, Mohammad Shahzad has a lot to ponder. His bowlers are leaking runs at important junctures and they have to figure out a way to avoid that. A win here for them can take them to the top of the table whilst a defeat will not do their confidence any good.

Team Combinations

Balkh Legends

Chris Gayle will come into the side and make his debut in the APL. He will open alongside Colin Munro, with Usman Ghani, Ryan ten Doeschate, Darwish Rasooli and Mohammad Nabi coming in the middle order. The skipper will have an important role to play with the ball as well alongside the experienced Ben Laughlin. Naib, Aftab Alam and Mirwais Ashraf are the other bowling options for Nabi.

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

Paktia Panthers

Skipper Shahzad will once again open the innings alongside Ihsanullah, with Cameron Delport, Sikandar Raza, and Samiullah Shenwari forming the middle order. They also have Shahid Afridi who can be used as a floater. The bowling unit looks pretty solid as well and the likes of Zia-ur-Rehman, Yousuf Zazai, and Azmatullah Omarzai will be keen to put up a decent show. Afridi’s experience will come in handy in the middle overs.

Predicted 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

Focus will be on

Chris Gayle (Balkh Legends)

When Christopher Henry Gayle arrives on the big stage, there’s no way any other player can hog as much limelight as he can. One of the icons of the game, Gayle is only going to bring a lot of attention and crowd with him, to add with some entertainment. If he can get going, the Legends will be firm contenders to win the inaugural title.

Samiullah Shenwari (Paktia Panthers)

One of the few figures in Afghan cricket who has seen the country grow right from the dawn, Samiullah Shenwari’s experience in the middle order for Paktia is priceless. He has not been in the best of form off-late but he cannot be disregarded. He certainly packs a punch and might play the finisher’s role in the side.

Stat Attack

2 – Cameron Delport needs two wickets to complete 50 scalps in T20s

24 – If Gayle makes his APL debut for the Legends, it will be the 24th T20 team he will be representing, more than any other player in the game’s history.

Broadcast details

TV – D Sport

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