In a thrilling final showdown at the Amingaon Cricket Ground in Guwahati on Friday, the Dihing Patkai Riders emerged victorious, defeating the Subansiri Champs by a margin of 31 runs in the ACA T-20 Challengers Trophy 2023-24.
Winning the toss, Subansiri Champs opted to field first, putting the Dihing Patkai Riders into bat. The Dihing Patkai Riders managed to set a challenging target of 149/6 in their allotted 20 overs. Anurag Talukdar played a pivotal role with his 45 runs off 39 balls, closely followed by Amit Sinha, who contributed 38 runs off 35 balls. Dharani Rabha’s explosive 36 not out in just 12 balls towards the end of the innings pushed their score further.
The Subansiri Champs bowlers, led by Abdul Aziz with figures of 3/52, did their best to contain the opposition. Mriganka Upadhaya also chipped in with 1/17.
In reply, the Subansiri Champs fought valiantly but were eventually bowled out for 118 runs in 19.2 overs. Nibir Deka was the top scorer for the Subansiri Champs, with a solid 38 runs off 34 balls, while Subham Mandal contributed 19 runs off 17 balls.
However, the Dihing Patkai Riders’ bowlers, especially Jitumoni Kalita and Mayukh Hazarika, proved to be the difference-makers, taking 3 wickets each. Kalita finished with figures of 3/14, while Hazarika claimed 3/29.
The prize distribution ceremony was a grand affair, graced by the presence of several dignitaries from the Assam Cricket Association (ACA). ACA Secretary Tridib Konwar, Joint Secretary Rajendra Singh, Treasurer Chiranjit Langthasa, CEO Pritam Mahanta, Apex Council Member Minu Begum, former Ranji player Shankar Dutta Lahkar, and Charaideo District Sports Association Secretary Imdad Hussain were among the distinguished guests who honoured the victorious Dihing Patkai Riders and praised the efforts of the Subansiri Champs.
Brief score:
Dihing Patkai Riders 149/6 in 20 overs (Anurag Talukdar 45 in 39 balls, Amit Sinha 38 in 35 balls, Dharani Rabha 36 not out in 12 balls; Abdul Aziz 3/52, Mriganka Upadhaya 1/17).
Subansiri Champs 118/10 in 19.2 overs (Nibir Deka 38 in 34 balls, Subham Mandal 19 in 17 balls; Jitumoni Kalita 3/14, Mayukh Hazarika 3/29)
Award winners:
Player of the final: Dharani Rabha of Dihing Patkai Riders for a swashbuckling 36 in just 12 balls. He also picked up one wicket.
Player of the tournament: Parvez Musaraf (240 runs; 15 wickets)
Best fielder of the tournament: Wasiqur Rahman (11 dismissals)
Best bowler of the tournament: Pushparaj Sharma (18 wickets)
Best batter of the tournament: Nihar Deka (318 runs)
Pritam Mahanta,
CEO,
Assam Cricket Association