Published on Aug 16
GUWAHATI: Dibrugarh Warriors became the first team to qualify for the semi-finals of the Assam Premier League after registering a five-wicket victory over Jorhat Stallions at the ACA Stadium here on Sunday.
Chasing 133 for victory, Dibrugarh reached the target in 18.2 overs, losing five wickets.
The five-wicket win takes Dibrugarh Warriors to 12 points from eight matches and back to the summit of the league table and confirm their top four spot.
Rajjak helps Jorhat post respectable total
After opting to field by captain Jitumoni Kalita, who led the side in absence of regular captain Saahil Jain due to injury, Dibrugarh’s bowlers kept Jorhat under pressure from the outset. Nihar Narah was dismissed for a duck before captain Swarupam Purkayastha launched a brief counter-attack, scoring 22 off 14 balls. Rajveer Singh then steadied the innings with a patient 26 off 33 deliveries, but Dibrugarh continued to pick up wickets at regular intervals.
Jorhat, however, managed to post a respectable 132/8 in their allotted 20 overs, thanks largely to a brisk knock from Rajjakudin Ahmed. He smashed 30 off just 15 balls, including four boundaries.
Ranjan Bikash Das and Jitumoni Kalita led Dibrugarh’s bowling attack with three wickets apiece.
Sidhartha takes Dibrugarh home with quick knock
In reply, Diwiz Pathak and Rituraj Biswas stitched together a crucial second-wicket partnership to put Dibrugarh in control of the chase. Pathak scored 31 off 26 balls, while Rituraj anchored the innings with a well-made 38 off 37 deliveries.
Sidhartha Sankar then provided the finishing flourish, smashing an unbeaten 24 off just nine balls, including two fours and two sixes. His explosive cameo ensured Dibrugarh crossed the finish line in 18.2 overs, with 10 balls to spare, sealing their place in the semi-finals.
Brief Scores:
Jorhat Stallions: 132/8 in 20 overs (Rajjak Uddin Ahmed 30, Rajveer Singh 26, Wasiqur Rahman 23, Swarupam Purkayastha 22; Ranjan Bikash Das 3/35, Jitumoni Kalita 3/12, Sidhartha Sankar Baruah 2/13)
Dibrugarh Warriors: 134/5 in 18.2 overs (Rituraj Biswas 38, Diwiz Pathak 31, Sidhartha Sankar Baruah 24 no, Jitumoni Kalita 12 no; Vedant Pandey 2/19).
Jitumoni Kalita celebrating the victory moment