Dibrugarh Warriors became the first team to secure a semi-final berth in the Assam Premier League (APL) after a commanding five-wicket victory over Jorhat Stallions at the Assam Cricket Association Stadium in Guwahati on Sunday, 16 August. Chasing a target of 133, Dibrugarh crossed the line at 134/5 in 18.2 overs, with Sidhartha Sankar Baruah's explosive unbeaten 24 off just nine balls sealing a victory that arrived with 10 balls to spare.

Dibrugarh Bowl Jorhat Into Submission

Opting to field first, Dibrugarh's bowlers set the tone immediately, keeping Jorhat Stallions under relentless pressure. Nihar Narah was dismissed for a duck in the opening stages, and while Jorhat captain Swarupam Purkayastha briefly counter-attacked with a brisk 22 off 14 balls, the innings never gained real momentum. Rajveer Singh attempted to stabilise the middle order with 26 off 33 deliveries, but wickets fell at regular intervals throughout.

Ranjan Bikash Das and Dibrugarh captain Jitumoni Kalita shared the spoils with the ball. Das finished with 3/35, while Kalita was the standout performer, returning a miserly 3/12 from four overs. Baruah also contributed with the ball, claiming 2/13 as Jorhat were bundled out for 132/8 at the close of their innings.

Steady Chase, Spectacular Finish

Dibrugarh's reply began on a nervy note when Parvej Musaraf fell early. However, Diwiz Pathak and Rituraj Biswas steadied the chase with a crucial partnership. Pathak contributed a measured 31 off 26 balls, while Rituraj anchored proceedings with a composed 38 off 37 deliveries. Ayush Agarwal chipped in with 12 before his dismissal left the chase requiring a final push.

That push arrived in the most emphatic fashion. Baruah walked to the crease and immediately shifted gears, smashing two fours and two sixes at a blistering strike rate of 266.67. Captain Kalita lent steady support at the other end, finishing unbeaten on 12 off nine balls, as Dibrugarh cantered home with 10 balls remaining.

Points Table: Dibrugarh Lead the Way

The victory lifts Dibrugarh Warriors to 12 points from eight matches, returning them to the summit of the APL standings and confirming their top-four finish. Barak Legends sit second on 11 points, while Guwahati Royals are third with 10 points. The race for the remaining semi-final spots is set to intensify in the closing rounds of the league stage.

What to Watch Next

With Dibrugarh already through, attention now turns to the teams chasing the remaining three semi-final places. Barak Legends and Guwahati Royals are best placed, but the narrow gap between them and those below means every remaining fixture carries knockout-stage stakes. Baruah's form with both bat and ball will make him one of the most closely watched players as the tournament reaches its decisive phase.