Match: Qualifier 1
Teams: Kabul Zalmi vs Kabul Knight Riders
Date: Sunday, October 19, 2025
Start Time: 1:00 PM (Local Time)
Venue: Ayobi Cricket Stadium, Kabul
Match Format: 20-over match
Series: Kabul Premier League 2025/26 Season
Match Schedule:
- First Session: 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
- Interval: 2:30 PM – 2:50 PM
- Second Session: 2:50 PM – 4:20 PM
About This Match
This is the first Qualifier match of the Kabul Premier League 2025. The winner of this game will go straight to the final. The losing team will get another chance in Qualifier 2. Both teams have done well in the league stage and now face off in this important knockout game.
Likely Playing XI
Note: Official playing XIs are not confirmed yet. The teams will announce their final lineups at the toss. These are likely players based on tournament squads.
Kabul Zalmi (Likely Team)
Source: Based on KPL 2025 squad lists (Wisden, SportsDunia)
- Masood Gurbaz
- Khalil Gurbaz
- Sharafuddin Ashraf
- Karim Janat
- Khalil Ahmad
- Sediq Pacha
- Wasim Akram
- Fazalhaq Farooqi
- Noor Rahman
- Noorullah Ayobi
- Lal Baaz
Official XI not confirmed – Final team may change
Kabul Knight Riders (Likely Team)
Source: Based on KPL 2025 squad lists (Wisden, SportsDunia)
- Hazratullah Zazai
- Ikram Alikhil
- Yousaf Shah
- Farmanullah Safi
- Jafar Sahak
- Irfan Safi
- Asif Shah
- Nijat Masood
- Waqar Salamkhil
- Iqdam Mohammadi
- Naweed Obaid
Official XI not confirmed – Final team may change
Key Players to Watch
| Category | Kabul Zalmi | Kabul Knight Riders |
|---|---|---|
| Top Batsman | Masood Gurbaz – In good form, scored 74 runs recently | Hazratullah Zazai – Dangerous opener who can score quickly |
| Best All-rounder | Karim Janat – Afghanistan star, can bat and bowl | Farmanullah Safi – Important player for balance |
| Main Bowler | Fazalhaq Farooqi – Left-arm fast bowler | Nijat Masood – Lead pace bowler |
| Captain/Leader | Sharafuddin Ashraf – Spin bowling all-rounder | Ikram Alikhil – Experienced wicketkeeper-batsman |
Pitch and Weather Report
Venue Details: Ayobi Cricket Stadium, Kabul
This season, the Kabul Premier League has seen many high-scoring matches. Teams have been scoring 200+ runs regularly. In recent games at Kabul venues:
- Kabul Knight Riders scored 248 runs in one match
- Pamir Stars posted 250 runs in another game
- The pitch has been good for batting
What This Means:
- Batsmen will enjoy playing on this pitch
- The team batting first might try to score 180-200 runs
- Fast bowlers might get some help early in the match
- Spinners will be important in the middle overs
Weather forecast not available from official sources. Check updates closer to match time.
Match Prediction & What to Expect
Why This Match Is Important
Both teams want to win this Qualifier 1 because the winner goes directly to the final. The losing team will play Qualifier 2, so winning today saves energy and gives confidence.
Kabul Zalmi’s Strengths
- Masood Gurbaz is batting well right now
- They have good all-rounders like Karim Janat
- Fazalhaq Farooqi can take wickets with the new ball
- Sharafuddin Ashraf brings experience as captain
Kabul Knight Riders’ Strengths
- Hazratullah Zazai can destroy any bowling attack
- They scored 248 runs in a recent match
- Good mix of batting and bowling talent
- Strong wicketkeeper in Ikram Alikhil
The Toss
The toss will be very important. The team winning the toss might choose to bat first because:
- The pitch is good for batting
- Setting a big total puts pressure on the other team
- Recent matches show teams batting first have done well
Our Prediction
This match looks very close. Both teams have match-winners. However:
- Slight Edge: Kabul Knight Riders because of Hazratullah Zazai’s explosive batting
- Expected Score: 180-200 runs for the team batting first
- Result: The team that handles pressure better will win
- Key Factor: If Zazai or Gurbaz score big, their team will likely win
Final Call: Too close to call, but winning the toss gives a big advantage. Expect a thrilling match!
Where to Watch
TV Broadcast: Ariana Television Network (ATN) – Available across Afghanistan
Online Streaming: Ariana Sport YouTube channel
Live Updates: Check ESPNcricinfo for ball-by-ball updates
Important Notes
- Playing XIs Not Confirmed: The lineups shown above are likely teams based on squad information. Official teams will be announced at the toss (1:00 PM local time).
- Match Format: This is a 20-over per side match, similar to IPL or Big Bash League format.
- Qualifier System: Winner goes to Final. Loser plays Qualifier 2 for another chance.
Sources: ESPNcricinfo, Wisden, SportsDunia, Ariana News, Official KPL 2025 Schedule, Sport Daily Now
Last Updated: October 19, 2025 (Pre-match)