Shpageeza Cricket League, 2019: Match 2, Boost Defenders vs Mis Ainak Knights: Dream11 Fantasy Cricket Tips – Playing XI, Pitch Report & Injury Update

Match Details:

The 2nd match of the Shpageeza Cricket League (SCL) 2019 will be played between Boost Defenders and Mis Ainak Knights at the Alokozay Kabul International Cricket Ground.

The match starts at 9:00 AM local time (10:00 AM IST) (4:30 AM GMT)

This game can be viewed on RTA World and RTA Pashto YouTube Channels.

Preview:

Boost Defenders and Mis Ainak Knights will face-off on Tuesday morning the 2nd game of the Shpageeza Cricket League 2019. The Boost Defenders were the runner-ups of the previous edition of the SCL in 2017. The game between them will be marked to be a clash between both the teams’ captains Gulbadin Naib and Mohammad Nabi who were involved in a cold war.

Nabi mentioned Naib’s lack of experience as captain heading into the World Cup while Gulbadin replied through a couple of social media posts. Naib was part of the Balkh Legends which won the inaugural APL title in 2018 under the captaincy of Mohammad Nabi but things have changed a lot. The focus will be on Mohammad Shahzad as well who is set to take the field for the first time since the CWC19.

Weather Condition/Report:

The weather is expected to be clear for this match. Conditions are expected to be cool due to the early morning start.

Pitch Condition/Report:

Kabul Eagles posted a huge score on Monday in the tournament opener. The venue usually witnesses totals around 170 in the morning matches. Targets up to 170 can be chased down here. A team with variety in the bowling could even win scoring just about 150 while batting first here.

Average first innings score: 169 (Last 5 T20 matches played in the morning)

Record of chasing teams: Won – 1, Lost – 4

Injury and Availability News:

Qais Ahmad was part of the CPL game on October 3rd but didn’t play on Sunday. It is unsure whether he will be fully available for Boost Defenders or will be missing a couple of games at the start.

Probable Playing XIs:

Boost Defenders:

Mohammad Shahzad (WK), Darwish Rasooli, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Noor ul Haq Malikzai, Gulbadin Naib (C), Muslim Musa, Zia ur Rahman, Fazal Haq, Dawlat Zadran, Qais Ahmad, Farhad Momand.

Bench: Nisar Wahdat, Khaibar Omar, Sayed Nasrat Quraishi, Bahar Ali Shinwari, Waqarullah Ashaqzai, Sadam Mangal, Nasir Omar, Zahid Sahibzada.

Mis Ainak Knights:

Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Noor Ali Zadran, Ihsanullah Janat, Fazal Niazai, Farhan Zakhil, Mohammad Nabi (C), Sharafudin Ashraf, Naveen ul Haq, Abidullah Taniwal, Yamin Ahmadzai, Noor Ahmad.

Bench: Rahmatullah Sahak, Shafiqullah Ghafari, Tariq Stanikzai, Zahidullah, Zia ul Haq Eisakhil, Rahmanullah Zadran, Najib Stanikzai, Zohaib Zamankhil.

Top Picks:

Darwish Rasooli has some quick-fire knocks to his name in first-class cricket and also has the experience of opening in the BPL. Muslim Musa picked up 6 wickets in the previous edition of the tournament and can score quick runs down the order. Do watch out for young Noor Ahmad who picked up a 4-fer against India in the U19 Asia Cup. Noor Ali Zadran last played T20s in 2017 Shpageeza where he scored two fifties in five games.

Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:

Captain – Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Mohammad Shahzad

Vice-Captain – Darwish Rasooli, Noor Ali Zadran, Sharafudin Ashraf, Muslim Musa

Gulbadin Naib could be seen batting up the order as he promoted himself in the World Cup which will increase his fantasy potential.

Suggested Playing XI for Head to Head/Small Leagues:

Keeper – Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Mohammad Shahzad

Batsmen – Darwish Rasooli, Noor Ali Zadran, Ihsanullah Janat

All-Rounders – Gulbadin Naib (C), Mohammad Nabi (VC), Zia ur Rahman

Bowlers – Muslim Musa, Qais Ahmad, Naveen ul Haq

Suggested Playing XI for Grand Leagues/Mega Leagues:

Keeper – Rahmanullah Gurbaz (VC), Mohammad Shahzad (C)

Batsmen – Darwish Rasooli, Noor Ali Zadran, Ihsanullah Janat

All-Rounders – Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi

Bowlers – Muslim Musa, Dawlat Zadran, Qais Ahmad, Naveen ul Haq

Expert Advice:

Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Mohammad Shahzad are a must in the fantasy team for this game. Gurbaz is fresh of a memorable T20I debut where he played good knocks. Shahzad is well known for making statements with the bat on his comeback. He hasn’t played any cricket since the World Cup and could come up with a big knock to send a message to the officials.

Probable Winners:

Boost Defenders look more equipped in all departments.

*Disclaimer: This team is based on the understanding, analysis and instinct of the author. While selecting your team, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.