Barpeta Braves clinch inaugural Assam Premier League crown with five-wicket win over Guwahati Royals

Our Sports Reporter

GUWAHATI: Barpeta Braves emerged champions of the 1st edition of Assam Premier League as they thrashed Guwahati Royals by 5 wickets in the final at the ACA stadium on Sunday night.

Chasing a target of 166, Barpeta held their nerve to reach the winning total in 18.5 overs, finishing on 166 for five. The victory was watched by a large crowd, with nearly 23,000 spectators turning up for the landmark final.

Barpeta made a brisk start to the chase, with openers  Saurav Dihingia (33) and Hrishikesh Das (35) put on 38 runs in 22 balls. Gaurav Thakuria (14) and Bikiran Das (9) failed to contribute much in the middle overs.

Arun Sonar produced the decisive innings when it mattered most. The eventual Player of the Match struck an unbeaten 34 off just 20 balls with six boundaries, anchoring the chase during the tense final stages. Abhilash Maurya provided valuable support with a 24-run contribution as Barpeta moved steadily towards victory. Veteran pacer Mukhtar Hussain claimed 2 wickets but gave away 48 runs in 3.5 overs. Bastab Roy, who finished the tournament as the Purple Cap winner with 23 wickets, added one more wicket to his tally in the final.

Earlier Guwahati Royals, invited to bat, were bowled out for 165 in 19.4 overs. Opener Rohit Sen produced a sensational knock of 90 off just 37 deliveries.

Rohit, one of the most consistent batters throughout the tournament, opened the innings alongside Sanjoy Singh and immediately put Barpeta’s bowling attack under pressure. The duo added 83 runs for the opening wicket, with Rohit contributing a staggering 79 of those runs. Rohit reached his half-century in just 20 balls. He was dismissed for a breathtaking 90 off 37 balls. His innings included 10 fours and six sixes.

Then Barpeta regained control of the contest, restricting Guwahati’s scoring rate and picking up wickets at regular intervals. Apart from captain Rishav Das, who contributed a valuable 34, the rest of the Guwahati batting line-up struggled to make a significant impact.

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