Published on Aug 22
GUWAHATI: The stage is set for the grand finale of the Assam Premier League, with Barpeta Braves and Guwahati Royals ready to battle for the inaugural title at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati on Sunday. With both sides producing impressive performances throughout the competition, the final promises to be a fitting climax to the tournament.
The final is scheduled to begin at 7 pm and will be telecast live on Star Sports and JioHotstar
Way to final:
Barpeta Braves booked their place in the final with a five-wicket victory over Dibrugarh Warriors in the first semi-final, while Guwahati Royals stormed into the title clash with a seven-wicket win over Barak Legends in a rain affected second semi-finals.
A battle for supremacy
The final is expected to be a closely fought contest between two well-balanced teams packed with quality players in every department.
Guwahati Royals will take the field under the leadership of experienced top-order batter Rishav Das, while Kunal Sharma will captain Barpeta Braves in the absence of Denish Das, who has left the squad to join his Duleep Trophy commitments.
On paper, Guwahati appear to have a slight edge, particularly when their overall numbers are considered. The Royals have scored 1,680 runs so far in 11 matches while Barpeta have accumulated 1,497 runs in the same number of outings.
The bowling figures also favour Guwahati. The Royals have taken 86 wickets in 11 matches, compared to Barpeta's 79.
However, statistics may count for little in a final, and Barpeta have already shown that they have the ability to challenge the strongest sides. With both teams boasting match-winners, the title clash could come down to who handles the pressure better on the big day.
Purple and Orange Cap
Guwahati Royals pacer Bastab Roy has emerged as the leading wicket-taker of the tournament, with 22 wickets from 11 matches, and is the frontrunner for the Purple Cap. Barpeta Braves' Subham Kumar Gupta and Deepak Gohain, both with 19 wickets from 11 matches, remain his closest challengers.
In the race for the Orange Cap, Guwahati Royals batter Rohit Sen is comfortably placed at the top with 453 runs from 11 matches. His closest challenger, Barpeta's Sourav Dihingia, has scored 335 runs and will need a big performance in the final to close the gap.
Weather watch
Rain could play a role in the final, with showers forecast for Sunday. However, the weather situation is expected to improve in the afternoon, raising hopes of an uninterrupted title clash.
Toss factor
Both captains opted to bowl first in their respective semi-finals after winning the toss. It will be interesting to see whether the trend continues in the final.
Unless rain intervenes and makes conditions uncertain, the toss may not have a decisive impact as both teams have shown that they are equally capable of chasing a target.
Prize money
The champions will take home a handsome Rs 50 lakh, while the runners-up will receive Rs 25 lakh. With the title and substantial prize money at stake, both Barpeta Braves and Guwahati Royals will be determined to finish the on a high.
PHOTO CAPTION: Captain’s Kunal Sharma (Left, Barpeta Braves) and Rishav Das (Guwahati Royals) pose in front of APL Trophy on Saturday.