APL 2026: Denish Das' 52 steers Barpeta Braves to 4-wicket win vs Guwahati Royals
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Barpeta Braves captain Denish Das struck a composed 52 off 41 balls to anchor a successful chase of 137, handing his side a four-wicket victory over Guwahati Royals in the Assam Premier League (APL) 2026 at the Assam Cricket Association Stadium in Guwahati on 13 August. The result lifted Barpeta Braves to third place in the standings with eight points from seven matches.
Guwahati Royals' Innings
Put into bat, Guwahati Royals were given a steady platform by Sanjay Kumar Singh and captain Rishav Das after opener Rohit Sen fell early. Rishav held the innings together with a measured 39 off 35 balls, while Nibir Deka contributed a brisk 33 off 34 deliveries. Jyoti Deka chipped in with 14 as the Royals closed on 136/6 in their allotted 20 overs.
Barpeta Braves' bowlers maintained pressure throughout, taking wickets at regular intervals. Shubham Kumar Gupta was the pick of the attack, finishing with figures of 2/35.
Barpeta Braves' Chase
The chase began positively through Saurav Mousum Dihingia, who blazed 23 off 18 balls — including two fours and two sixes — before his dismissal. Pranjal Paul then steadied the innings with a patient 24 off 35 deliveries, setting the platform for Das to take control.
The Barpeta skipper played a captain's knock, driving and guiding his way to 52 off 41 balls with five fours. His assured presence through the middle overs kept the required rate in check. Abhilash Maurya added a handy 19 off 16 balls lower down the order.
Finishing Touches and Result
With the target in sight, Arun Sonar sealed the win in style, smashing an unbeaten 7 off 2 balls — including a six — as Barpeta Braves reached 137/6 in 19.4 overs. Deepak Gohain was the Royals' most effective bowler, picking up 2/18.
Points Table Impact
The victory moves Barpeta Braves to third on eight points from seven games. Guwahati Royals slip to second on 10 points, level with table-toppers Dibrugarh Warriors but behind them on net run rate. The APL 2026 title race remains wide open as the tournament enters its decisive phase.
Brief Scores: Guwahati Royals 136/6 in 20 overs (Rishav Das 39, Nibir Deka 33, Sanjay Kumar Singh 17; Shubham Kumar Gupta 2/35) | Barpeta Braves 137/6 in 19.4 overs (Denish Das 52, Pranjal Paul 24, Saurav Mousum Dihingia 23; Deepak Gohain 2/18). Result: Barpeta Braves won by 4 wickets.