Guwahati, 24 August (HS): Barpeta Braves defeated Guwahati Royals by five wickets in the final to win the inaugural Imperial Blue Packaged Drinking Water Assam Premier League at the Assam Cricket Association Stadium in Guwahati on Sunday night.

Chasing a target of 166, Barpeta reached 166 for five in 18.5 overs, with Arun Sonar playing a decisive unbeaten knock of 34 off 20 balls. Saurav Mousum Dihingia provided a flying start with 33 off 16 balls, while Hrishikesh Das scored 35 off 32 and Abhilash Maurya contributed 24 off 20.

Earlier, Guwahati Royals were bowled out for 165 in 19.4 overs. Rohit Sen was the standout batter, smashing 90 off just 37 balls with 10 fours and six sixes. Captain Rishav Das added 34 off 34 deliveries.

Pranjal Paul led Barpeta's bowling attack with figures of 2/18, while Shubham Kumar Gupta and Dipjyoti Saikia took two wickets each.

Barpeta were reduced to 99 for four during the chase but recovered strongly. Sonar and Maurya added a crucial 59-run partnership before Sonar completed the chase alongside captain Kunal Sarma.

Guwahati's Bastab Roy took one wicket for 25 runs and finished the tournament as the Purple Cap winner with 23 wickets. Deepak Gohain was the Royals' most economical bowler, returning 1/17 from four overs.

Rohit Sen claimed the Orange Cap after scoring 543 runs in 12 innings at an average of 45.25. He was also named Emerging Player of the Tournament. Bastab Roy was adjudged Player of the Tournament, while Altaf Alam of Nagaon Rangers won the Catch of the Tournament award.

Brief Scores:

Guwahati Royals: 165 all out in 19.4 overs (Rohit Sen 90, Rishav Das 34; Pranjal Paul 2/18, Shubham Kumar Gupta 2/36, Dipjyoti Saikia 2/36).

Barpeta Braves: 166/5 in 18.5 overs (Arun Sonar 34*, Hrishikesh Das 35, Saurav Mousum Dihingia 33; Bastab Roy 1/25, Deepak Gohain 1/17).

Tournament Awards: Orange Cap – Rohit Sen; Purple Cap – Bastab Roy; Catch of the Tournament – Altaf Alam; Emerging Player – Rohit Sen; Player of the Tournament – Bastab Roy.-----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash