Denish Das produced a breathtaking display of power-hitting to script history in the Assam Premier League, smashing the fastest century of the tournament in just 40 balls and powering Barpeta Braves to a thrilling 12-run victory over Jorhat Stallions at the Assam Cricket Association Stadium in Guwahati.
The explosive knock came after Jorhat Stallions won the toss and elected to bowl, hoping to restrict Barpeta early. Instead, the Braves posted an imposing 196/7 in 20 overs, with Denish turning the contest on its head during a remarkable assault.
Opening batter Hrishikesh Das provided the initial platform, scoring a patient 53 from 40 deliveries, including two fours and five sixes. Denish then took over, dismantling the Jorhat bowling attack with remarkable ease.
The right-hander reached his century from only 40 deliveries, setting a new benchmark for the competition. He eventually departed for a sensational 105 off 42 balls, striking at an extraordinary 250. His innings featured five fours and 10 sixes, with the sheer power and range of his strokeplay making him the defining figure of the innings.
Jorhat’s bowlers struggled to contain the onslaught. Mantu Yadav finished with 2/40, while Vedant Pandey was relatively economical with 1/24. Rajjak Uddin Ahmed and Dyutimoy Nath also picked up a wicket each.
The Stallions, however, refused to surrender without a fight. Captain Swarupam Purkayastha anchored the chase with 56 off 40 balls, while Dyutimoy Nath added 29 from 20 deliveries. Rajjak Uddin Ahmed then injected late momentum with a 17-ball 39, but Jorhat could only reach 184/6 in their allotted 20 overs.
Barpeta’s bowlers held their nerve at the crucial stages. Bikiran Das led the attack with 2/24, while Shubham Kumar Gupta claimed 2/33. Rajesh Prasad and Arun Sonar took one wicket apiece.