Last Updated on 6 years by Charbel Coorey
The first ever Afghanistan Premier League Final is upon us, and it’s between two sides in top form after thumping wins in their respective Semi Finals.
Balkh Legends are fresh off the second biggest win in T20 history, thumping NL by 171 runs in a clinical display. BL’s strong batting line up on paper delivered strong results, smashing NL all over the park, and in the process highlighting why they finished top of the league. Their clinic with both bat and ball is something they would be aiming to repeat, but against a Kabul Zwanan side also coming off a big win, simply expecting the same performance to happen is dangerous.
Kabul Zwanan’s skipper Rashid Khan saved his best performance for the knockout game. His whirlwind 35* and 4/20 simply blew PP away, and against a strong BL batting line up, he will again be key. The quick turnaround between the Semi Final and Final could come at a possible disadvantage, but with the adrenaline that comes with the possibility of lifting silverware, KZ will sure to be primed for a big one.
P.S., looking to improve your game or replicate your heroes? Claim discounts on any of 700+ cricket items at onlinecricstore.com with a single code. Find out more here!
Key to a Balkh Legends win
In the Semi Final, the top four of Chris Gayle, Darwish Rasooli, Colin Munro and Mohammad Nabi blew NL away. Against a KZ side that has had its challenges with the ball this season, BL’s top four again holds the key to either setting or chasing very well.
Key to a Kabul Zwanan win
Possible XIs
Dream11
- Luke Ronchi remains a dangerous batsman for KZ at the top.
- Chris Gayle, Darwish Rasooli, Colin Ingram and Hazratullah Zazai are all capable of big runs. Colin Munro is also a good option.
- Mohammad Nabi and Rashid Khan are must-haves, and Gulbadin Naib has had a solid tournament.
- Mirwais Ashraf, Qais Ahmed and Muslim Musa offer good value with the ball.
Stats and Facts
- Balkh Legends finished the group stage on top, with Kabul finishing in third.
- Hazratullah Zazai sits second in the APL 2018 leading run scorer charts with 312.
- BL’s win over NL was the second biggest ever win in T20 history.