Assam Premier League: Barpeta Braves Beat Guwahati Royals by 5 Wickets to Win Inaugural Title

Guwahati: Barpeta Braves etched their name in Assam cricket history on Sunday by winning the inaugural Assam Premier League (APL) title, defeating Guwahati Royals by five wickets in the final at the ACA Stadium in Barsapara.

The Braves successfully chased down 166 runs, finishing the match with five wickets still in hand. Their victory earned them the championship trophy along with the Rs 50 lakh winners’ prize, while Guwahati Royals took home Rs 25 lakh as runners-up.

The Royals had looked firmly in control early in the innings. Opener Rohit Sen launched an aggressive assault, scoring 53 from only 20 balls with six sixes and four boundaries. His quick-fire knock helped Guwahati make a rapid start and cross 50 runs before the end of the fifth over.

Barpeta, however, gradually turned the game around. Once Sen was dismissed, the Braves' bowling attack put the brakes on the Royals' scoring, particularly through the middle overs. Regular wickets prevented Guwahati from building another substantial partnership, and the Royals were eventually dismissed for 165 with two balls remaining in their innings.

The target never appeared beyond Barpeta's reach as the Braves began their reply positively. They maintained a healthy scoring rate during the powerplay and ensured that the required rate did not spiral despite losing wickets later in the chase.

Their middle-order batters held their nerve in the closing stages and took Barpeta across the finishing line, securing a memorable five-wicket victory.

The title clash brought the first edition of the APL to an end after a 23-day tournament that began on August 1. Barpeta and Guwahati had entered the final after recording identical league-stage campaigns of seven victories and three defeats.

With the triumph, Barpeta Braves became the first champions in Assam Premier League history, claiming the inaugural trophy and setting the benchmark for future editions.

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