Match Details:
The first semi-final of the Afghan One-Day Cup, 2020 will be played between Khost Province and Faryab Province at the Khost Cricket Stadium in Khost.
The match starts at 9:00 AM local time (10:00 AM IST).
Preview:
Khost Province finished at the top of the group by registering two wins and a loss from their three games. Faryab Province, similarly, also gathered two wins and a loss, finishing at the second spot in the table. With high chances of rain, the team batting first will aim to post a challenging total on the board and increase their chances of booking the final berth.
Weather Report:
There are high chances of rain to intervene in the match. The temperature will hover around 29 degrees Celcius with humidity levels soaring above 70 per cent.
Pitch Condition/Report:
The record of chasing teams has been impressive at this venue. The team batting first has won only on one occasion – when they posted a 250+ total in the first innings. With rain on the cards, the chasing team might find it tough to gain momentum in the chase.
Average first-innings score: 177 (This tournament)
Record of chasing teams: Won – 4, Lost – 1
Injury and Availability News:
(Will be added when there is an update)
Probable Playing XIs:
Khost Province:
Shaheen, Abdul Rahim Mangal, Naveed Obaid, Rahmanullah Zadran, Mohammadullah, Shahidullah Kamal, Ziaur Rahaman Sharifi, Bakhtar Atal, M Hashum, Noor Ahmad, Hassebullah
Bench: Ehsan Mangal, Mohammad Naseem, Nemat II, Asghar Atal, Hashim Khalil Gurbaz, Aimal Wafa, Sadam Mangal
Faryab Province:
Juma Gul, Ezzat/Hidayatullah, Zahid Zakhel, Murad Ali (C & WK), Ejaz Ahmad, Ibrahim Safi, Abdul Hadi, Rustam, Saleem Safi, Fazal Haq, Zuhaib.
Bench: Abdul Basit, Khairullah, Eid Mohammad, Hayatullah, Nemat, Bilal.
Top Picks:
Mohammadullah has delivered impressive performances with the bat for Khost and has been their top-scorer with the best of 37. In the bowling department, Ziaur Rehman has picked up 7 wickets from two matches which includes a five-wicket haul.
For Faryab, Saleem has picked up 11 wickets from three matches so far. Apart from Saleem, Zahid Zakhel and Haji Murad Muradi are also expected to deliver with the bat. Zakhar had impressed everyone by scoring a century in their first match of the competition.
Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:
Captain options – Mohamadullah, Zahid Zakhel
Vice-Captain options – Saleem Safi, Noor Ahmad
Suggested Playing XI for Head to Head/Small Leagues:
Keeper – Murad Ali
Batsmen – Mohamadullah (C), Rahmanullah Zadran, Ezzat, Ejaz Ahmad
All-Rounders – Ziaur Rahman Sharif, Ibrahim Sharif, Zahid Zakhel (VC)
Bowlers – Noor Ahmad, Saleem Safi, Haseeb Ullah
Suggested Playing XI for Grand Leagues/Mega Leagues:
Keeper – Shaheen
Batsmen – Mohammadullah (VC), Abdul Rahim Mangal, Ejaz Ahmad, Ezzat
All-Rounders – Ziaur Rahman Sharif, Ibrahim Safi, Zahid Zakhel (VC)
Bowlers – Noor Ahmad, Saleem Safi, Bakhtar Atal
Expert Advice:
Mohammadullah and Ziaur Rehman will be the obvious choice while choosing Khost Province players. For the Faryab Province squad, picking up Zahid Zakhel can yield more points.
Probable Winners:
Khost Province are expected to win the match.
