Guwahati, 21 August (HS): Saurav Mousum Dihingia struck an unbeaten 63 as Barpeta Braves defeated Dibrugarh Warriors by five wickets in a thrilling semi-final of the inaugural Imperial Blue Packaged Drinking Water Assam Premier League at the Assam Cricket Association Stadium here on Friday.

Chasing 135, Barpeta reached 137/5 in 19.1 overs. Saurav anchored the innings with 63 off 53 balls, including six fours and a six. He was well supported by Abhilash Maurya, who scored 37 off 29 balls with three fours and a six. The pair added 74 runs for the fifth wicket to steer Barpeta to victory.

Earlier, Dibrugarh Warriors posted 134/7 in 20 overs after opting to bat. Ayush Agarwal remained unbeaten on 45 off 29 balls, hitting two fours and three sixes, while Diwiz Pathak made 27 and Nasir Ullah contributed 26.

Pranjal Paul was the pick of Barpeta's bowlers with 2/27, while Sidhartha Sankar Baruah and Doikho Das claimed two wickets each for Dibrugarh.

Barpeta Braves will face the winner of the other semi-final in the final on Sunday, August 23, at 7 pm.

Brief Scores:

Dibrugarh Warriors: 134/7 in 20 overs (Ayush Agarwal 45*, Diwiz Pathak 27, Nasir Ullah 26; Pranjal Paul 2/27).

Barpeta Braves: 137/5 in 19.1 overs (Saurav Mousum Dihingia 63*, Abhilash Maurya 37; Sidhartha Sankar Baruah 2/27, Doikho Das 2/33).-----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash