Tournament: Kabul Premier League 2025 (3rd Season)
Match: 13th Match
Date: Friday, October 17, 2025
Time: 1:30 PM Local (8:30 AM GMT)
Venue: Ayobi Cricket Stadium, Kabul
Toss: Not yet confirmed
Tournament Context
The third edition of the Kabul Premier League (also known as Amir Hajizada Kabul Premier League) continues to deliver exciting T20 action at the Ayobi Sports Complex in Kabul. With the tournament heating up, both Kabul Zalmi and Band-e Amir Stars will be eager to secure crucial points in this mid-table clash.
Recent Form
Kabul Zalmi
Kabul Zalmi have shown mixed form in the tournament. They recently secured a crucial 5-wicket victory over Speenghar Warriors, chasing down 154 runs. However, they suffered an 11-run defeat against Pamir Stars earlier in the tournament, falling short while chasing 208.
Band-e Amir Stars
Band-e Amir Stars have had a challenging run. They posted 186 runs against Abaseen Defenders but lost by 7 wickets. Most recently, they narrowly lost to Kabul Knight Riders by just 3 runs despite scoring 205 in their chase, showing they have the firepower to compete in high-scoring encounters.
Expected Playing XIs
Note: Official playing XIs have not been confirmed by tournament authorities. The lineups below are based on squad information and recent match participation.
Kabul Zalmi (Likely XI)
Based on squad information from Wisden’s coverage of the Kabul Premier League 2025, the likely lineup includes:
- Samiullah Shinwari
- Bahir Shah
- Shawkat Zaman
- Wafiullah Tarakhil
- Yama Arab
- Jalat Musazai
- Batin Shah (WK)
- Abid Mohammadi
- Tariq Stanikzai
- Bahar Ali
- Barakzai Nasiri
Source: Squad information from Wisden Cricket
Band-e Amir Stars (Likely XI)
According to squad details published by Wisden, potential players include:
- Asghar Atal
- Sabir Gurbaz
- Haseebullah (WK)
- Zia Sharifi
- Noor Ahmad
- Usman Adil
- Said Khan
- Subhanallah
- Amir Khan Zazai
- Atta Zarmal
- Emal Shaheen
Source: Wisden squad list for Kabul Premier League 2025
Important: These lineups are projections based on squad lists and may differ from actual team selections. Official playing XIs will be confirmed at the toss.
Players to Watch
| Role | Player | Team | Recent Form/Stats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Batter | Wafiullah Tarakhil | Kabul Zalmi | Young talent who impressed in Shpageeza Cricket League 2025* |
| Batter | Haseebullah | Band-e Amir Stars | Wicketkeeper-batter with experience in domestic cricket* |
| All-rounder | Bahir Shah | Kabul Zalmi | Likely to play key role with bat and ball* |
| All-rounder | Noor Ahmad | Band-e Amir Stars | Experienced Afghan cricketer with international exposure* |
| Bowler | Barakzai Nasiri | Kabul Zalmi | Key member of bowling attack* |
| Bowler | Said Khan | Band-e Amir Stars | Experienced spinner in tournament conditions* |
Players marked with asterisk () are likely selections based on squad information. Specific match statistics not available at preview time.
Pitch and Weather Conditions
Weather Forecast
October in Kabul typically features daytime temperatures around 22°C (70°F) with pleasant sunny conditions. The city normally enjoys around 9 hours of bright sunshine during October days, making it ideal for cricket. Rain is unlikely, with typically only 2 rainy days expected during the entire month.
Pitch Report
The Ayobi Cricket Stadium has witnessed several high-scoring encounters this season, including matches where teams have crossed 200-run marks. Recent games suggest a balanced surface that offers opportunities for both batters and bowlers, with the possibility of high-scoring thrillers.
Head-to-Head Record
Kabul Zalmi hold the advantage in their recent meetings with Band-e Amir Stars, having won both encounters since 2024. In those matches, Kabul Zalmi averaged 167 runs (with scores of 203 and 131), while Band-e Amir Stars averaged 142 runs (with scores of 156 and 128).
What to Expect
This match promises to be a competitive affair between two evenly-matched sides. Kabul Zalmi will look to leverage their superior head-to-head record and recent momentum from their win over Speenghar Warriors. Band-e Amir Stars, despite recent losses, have shown they can post competitive totals and will be determined to turn their narrow defeats into victories.
The key battle will be between Zalmi’s batting lineup and Band-e Amir’s bowling attack. With pleasant weather conditions expected and a good batting surface, fans can anticipate another entertaining T20 contest with plenty of boundaries and strategic battles.
Prediction
Based on recent form and head-to-head advantage, Kabul Zalmi start as slight favorites. However, Band-e Amir Stars’ ability to push matches close means this could go either way. Expect a close contest with the team winning the toss potentially gaining an advantage in favorable batting conditions.
Where to Watch
Ariana Sport provides live streaming of the Kabul Premier League on its digital platforms and YouTube for viewers outside Afghanistan. Local fans can catch the action on Ariana Television Network (ATN).