APL 2018: Qualification criteria(s) for all five teams for the knockout stages

#5 Kandahar Knights

Kandahar Knights are currently bordering at the bottom of the points table

Kandahar Knights are having a disappointing APL 2018 thus far. Kandahar Knights, under the captaincy of Ashgar Afghan, have fared exceedingly pitiable in the tournament. However, a sense of hope seems to have hit the Knights after registering their first ever win in the league against Nangarhar Leopards in their last game.

Batting has been a matter of concern for the Knights ever since the start of the tournament. Inefficacy of their overseas players has cost them the most. With the likes of Brendon McCullum and Paul Stirling not firing in the league, Kandahar's batting has seen worst extremes. However, bowling hasn't been a problem for them. With a decent mix of national players in the bowling department, they have been able to decimate even the best batting lineups in the tournament. Thus, bowling will be the key for them if they want to qualify for the next stage.

Kandahar Knights have won only one of their first five league matches which puts them at the bottom of the points table. Their remaining three games will be against Kabul Zwanan, Paktia Panthers, and Balkh Legends on 16th, 17th, and 18th respectively.

Qualification Status: As of now, Kandahar Knights seem to be out of the contention for the knockout stages. Nonetheless, Knights have a fair bit of chance to enter the semis. The only way how Kandahar Knights could reach the knockout stage is by winning all of their remaining games or at-least two of their remaining matches. Thus, if Knights manage to do so, they will hold the fourth (at worst) in the points table. Although this calls for an arduous job, we can't rule it out while respecting the uncertainty of the game.

Performance Details:

Matches Played: 5

Matches Won: 1

Matches Lost: 4

Points: 2

Position: 5

NRR: -0.109