Guwahati, 06 August (HS): Jorhat Stallions registered their first victory in the ongoing Imperial Blue Packaged Drinking Water Assam Premier League (APL) 2026 with an emphatic eight-wicket win over previously unbeaten Barak Legends at the ACA Stadium in Barsapara on Thursday. Captain Swaroopam Purkayastha starred with a sensational unbeaten 99, narrowly missing what would have been the league's first century.

Chasing a target of 171, Jorhat Stallions comfortably reached 174/2 in 18.2 overs. Openers Swaroopam Purkayastha and wicketkeeper-batter Eric Roy provided a blazing start, adding 82 runs in just 49 balls. Eric scored a quickfire 41 off 26 deliveries, including five fours and two sixes.

Swaroopam continued his attacking display after Eric's dismissal and brought up the fastest half-century of the tournament in just 26 balls. He later shared an 83-run partnership with Rajbir Singh (20) for the second wicket to steer his team to victory. Swaroopam remained unbeaten on 99 off 58 balls, smashing 11 boundaries and four sixes, setting the highest individual score in the tournament so far.

Earlier, Barak Legends, after winning the toss, opted to bat first and posted 170/4 in their allotted 20 overs. Openers Vishal Saha and Aman Singh laid a solid foundation with a 70-run partnership. Aman scored 29 off 26 balls before departing, while Vishal top-scored with 71 off 60 deliveries, hitting four sixes and four fours. Captain Shiva Shankar Roy contributed a brisk 45 off 26 balls, while Sourav Dey remained unbeaten on 14 off four balls.

With his knock of 99, Swaroopam surpassed Vishal's previous record for the highest individual score in the APL. However, Vishal continues to lead the Orange Cap race with 151 runs.

On Friday, Barpeta Braves will take on Nagaon Rangers in the first match of the day, while Charaideo Sunrisers will face Barak Legends in the evening fixture.------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash