DHAKA, Bangladesh, (CMC) – Marlon Samuels stroked an even 50 to help Duronto Rajshahi reach the semi-finals of the Bangladesh Premier League, following an eight-wicket victory over Khulna Royals Bengals yesterday. The West Indies batsman smoked seven fours and two sixes from 38 balls, as Rajshahi successfully chased a modest 107 for victory in their latest match at the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium.
Samuels put on 71 for the second wicket with Junaid Siddique to put Rajshahi squarely on course for their easy victory with 31 balls remaining.
He also grabbed a wicket in three overs that cost 13, as the Royal Bengals were dismissed for 106 in 18.5 overs.
Mohammad Sami and Sean Ervine collected three wickets apiece.
In the second match of the double header, West Indian players involved played small roles, as the Barisal Burners completed a five-wicket victory over the Chittagong Kings.
Dwayne Bravo scored 26 and compatriot Kevon Cooper was dismissed for a duck, as the Kings posted a competitive 150 for nine from their allocation of 20 overs.
Bravo and Cooper both proved expensive, conceding 71 from four wicket-less overs, as Australian Brad Hodge led the way with 67 to lead the Burners to 151 for five with 30 balls remaining.
Scores:
Barisal Burners beat Chittagong Kings by five wickets
CHITTAGONG KINGS 150 for nine off 20 overs (Jason Roy 42, Dwayne Bravo 26, Brendan Taylor 25, Ziaur Rahman 24; Yasir Arafat 3-25, Nazmul Islam 2-24)
BARISAL BURNERS 151 for five off 15 overs (Brad Hodge 67, Ahmed Shehzad 43, Phil Mustard 24; Arafat Sunny 2-21, Enamul Haque Jr 2-23)

Duronto Rajshahi beat Khulna Royal Bengals by eight wickets
KHULNA ROYAL BENGALS 106 off 18.5 overs (Niall O’Brien 35; Mohammad Sami 3-16, Sean Ervine 3-19)
DURONTO RAJSHAHI 110 for two off 14.1 overs (Marlon Samuels 50, Junaid Siddique 29 not out, Shahzaib Hasan 28.