MIRPUR, Bangladesh, CMC – Trinidadian seamer Kevon Cooper grabbed five wickets in a cameo all-round performance to fire Barisal Bulls to a convincing 13-run victory over Darren Sammy’s Rangpur Riders on day two of the Bangladesh Premier League here yesterday.
The right-armer produced a brilliant spell to finish with five for 15 from his four overs as Riders came up short in their pursuit of 156 for victory at the Shere Bangla National Stadium.
He was supported by Pakistani fast bowler Mohammed Sami who picked up two for 35.
Mohammad Mithun top-scored with 55 from 32 deliveries but no other batsman passed 20 as Riders were dismissed for 142 off their 20 overs.
West Indies batsman Lendl Simmons scored 19 from 21 balls at the top of the order while Sammy, batting at number seven, managed just two before becoming Cooper’s third wicket of the innings.
Earlier, Cooper blasted two fours and a six in a busy 13-ball 21 as Bulls, sent in, rallied to 155 for nine off their 20 overs.
Captain Mahmudullah top-scored with 51 from 43 deliveries and Nadif Chowdhury got 30 from 31, before Cooper rallied the tail with his cameo.
Left-arm spinner Shakib Al Hasan finished with three for 23 while seamer Thisara Perera claimed three for 29.
Sammy went wicket-less from his two overs which cost 13 runs.
On Sunday’s opening day, Sammy lashed a seven-ball 18 with two fours and a six as Riders chased down 188 to beat Chittagong Vikings off the last ball of the game.
