Itkhola lift APCC title with nail-biting win

Online Staff/GUWAHATI, April 6: Itkhola Athletic Club (AC) from Silchar lifted the 7th Assam Premier Club Championship (APCC) title with a thrilling one-wicket victory over Triranga Cricket Coaching Centre (CCC) from Barpeta at Judges Field on Sunday.
The final match was a low-scoring affair, with both teams struggling with the bat. A remarkable bowling performance from Dipankar Paul, who took 6 wickets for 19 runs, nearly secured victory for Trianga CCC but Itkhola AC held their nerve to clinch the title in a dramatic finish.
Triranga CCC, asked to bat first, managed to post a total of 97 all out in just 29.1 overs. The top scorer for Trianga was Kabir Hassan Deshmukh, who fought a lone battle with 41 runs from 55 balls, including three boundaries and a six. Captain Ranjan Bikash Das contributed 17 runs at number nine. Itkhola AC's bowling was dominant, with Hritwik Dhar leading the charge, taking 3 wickets for 15 runs in 7 overs. Along with his bowling, Dhar was also instrumental in the field, being involved in a key run-out and taking the important catch to dismiss Deshmukh. Harsh Kumar, Sadek Imran Choudhury, and Ikramul Ali also impressed, picking up two wickets each to bowl Triranga CCC out for a modest total.
In reply, Itkhola AC looked in a nice position once scoring 67 for 3, but a stunning spell of bowling from Dipankar Paul brought Triranga CCC back into the game. Paul’s sensational performance, which included 6 wickets for just 19 runs in 7 overs, reduced Itkhola AC to 83 for 9, leaving them needing another 15 runs for victory. However, Hritwik Dhar and Avay Kumar Yadav held their composure in the tense final moments, with Dhar contributing 5 runs and Yadav finishing on 13 to guide Itkhola AC to victory at 101 for 9 in 31.2 overs.
This victory marked Itkhola AC’s first-ever APCC title, and their resolve under pressure was praised by BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia, who attended the award ceremony. Saikia said, "Itkhola Athletic Club displayed excellent composure under pressure, and this victory was truly well-deserved." . He also lauded the competitive spirit shown by all teams throughout the tournament.
The award ceremony was graced by several dignitaries, including ACA Secretary Tridib Konwar, former cricketer Naba Konwar, GSA Joint Secretary Kajal Paul Chaudhury, and Satya Gopal Chakraborty.
Brief Scores: Trianga CCC: 97 (29.1 overs), Kabir Hassan Deshmukh 41; Hritwik Dhar 3/15, Itkhola AC: 101/9 (31.2 overs), Sourav Saha 16, Ram Chandra Das 16; Dipankar Paul 6/19, Pritish Raharoy 2/28)
Individual Awards: Man of the Match: Hritwik Dhar (Itkhola AC). Best Batter: Kabir Hassan Deshmukh (Trianga CCC). Best Bowler: Hritwik Dhar (Itkhola AC). Player of the Tournament: Hritwik Dhar (Itkhola AC).