APL 2018, Match 9, Balkh Legends vs Nangarhar Leopards, Preview: Downtrodden Leopards clash with the Legends to regain some momentum

Jamaican cricketers Andre Russell and Chris Gayle's duel will capture a lot of attention in this fixture.

Published - 11 Oct 2018, 11:52 IST | Updated - 11 Oct 2018, 11:52 IST

2 Min Read

It has been a topsy-turvy ride already for the Nangarhar Leopards in the APL 2018, who managed to win the first game so comfortably but faltered badly in the next two games. They certainly have the strength on paper to put up brilliant performances, but that’s just not showing on the field.

The Legends on the other side are riding high on confidence and the entry of Universe Boss Chris Gayle just made things a lot more convenient for them. Mohammad Nabi has done a terrific job thus far leading this vibrant unit and is already aiming to lift the glorious trophy on 21st October.

It is important for sides to be clinical and rampant in tournaments like this, where time flies by quite soon. The Leopards too have received a huge boost as another Windies T20 star in Andre Russell is set to stage an entry on Thursday, making things a lot more interesting for the viewers.

Playing Combinations

Balkh Legends

Colin Munro and Chris Gayle will be opening the innings for the Legends. They have some pretty experienced names in the middle-order like skipper Mohammad Nabi, Ryan Ten Doeschate and Ravi Bopara. Gulbadin Naib and Darwish Rasooli will be expected to do well both with bat and ball. Ben Laughlin will be key with the ball alongside Aftab Alam and Mirwais Ashraf.

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

Nangarhar Leopards

Anton Devcich and Najeeb Tarakai will be opening the batting and their icon player Andre Russell would want to make amends for his poor debut. They have some amazing local stars in the middle like Rahmat Shah, Shahidi, Ben Cutting and Shafiqullah, who give a stable look to the lineup. The duo of Mujeeb and Zahir leaked a few runs in the previous game but would be keen to rectify those errors. Naveen-ul-Haq will be keen to continue his good form.

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

Focus will be on

Mohammad Nabi (Balkh Legends)

One of the stalwarts of Afghan cricket, Mohammad Nabi is one of the flag bearers of their incredible national side. He was the first cricketer from their country to have achieved a global recognition and now, he’s one of the best T20 all-rounders in the world. To win a title from here would mean an awful lot for the Afghan legend.

Andre Russell (Nangarhar Leopards)

A man who stands synonymous to destruction with the bat and ruthlessness with the ball, Andre Russell is a dream all-rounder for any side. His injuries kept him on the sidelines temporarily, but his return will be a huge plus for Ben Cutting’s side. His addition improves the side strength instantly.