'AWESOME FOR THE GAME OF CRICKET': MOSTARY'S HISTORIC CENTURY WINS HEARTS DESPITE DEFEAT

PHOTO: Cricket Australia

Sobhana Mostary’s maiden ODI century may not have been enough to prevent Bangladesh from suffering a nine-wicket defeat against Australia, but the historic knock earned admiration from both captains, underlining its significance for Bangladesh women’s cricket.

Australia captain Tahlia McGrath summed up the wider importance of Mostary’s achievement in just a few words: “Awesome for the game of cricket.”

Mostary struck a magnificent 118 off 134 balls to help Bangladesh recover from a disastrous start in the second ODI at Allan Border Field in Brisbane on Sunday. Although Australia chased down Bangladesh’s 220 for six with 131 balls to spare, the 25-year-old’s landmark innings provided a memorable moment for the visitors as they slipped to a 2-0 series defeat with one match remaining.

Bangladesh were in deep trouble at eight for three after Megan Schutt and Kim Garth ripped through the top order. However, Mostary refused to surrender, showing remarkable composure and determination to rebuild the innings alongside captain Nigar Sultana Joty.

The pair produced a record-breaking fourth-wicket partnership of 195 runs, the highest for any wicket in women’s ODIs against Australia and a Bangladesh record. Joty remained unbeaten on 74 off 114 deliveries, while Mostary struck 18 fours on her way to becoming the first Bangladesh batter to score an ODI century against Australia.

Her 118 also surpassed Fargana Hoque’s 107 against India in 2022 to become the highest individual score by a Bangladesh batter in women’s ODIs.

Joty, who witnessed the innings from the other end, was delighted with her teammate’s achievement.

“I am very happy for her because she is a wonderful player and has been very consistent with the bat for a long time, so I think she kind of deserved it,” the Bangladesh captain said.

Reflecting on their partnership, Joty described the century and the stand as historic achievements for both Mostary and the team.

“It was really historical and definitely a great achievement for her and for the team as well,” she said, adding that she had encouraged Mostary to keep pushing for the milestone.

“I batted with her and kept telling her that she had to do it, and I felt like I played my part in that too.”

McGrath also praised Mostary’s innings, highlighting the intent Bangladesh showed with the bat.

“The century was pretty special. It was a good innings, and I'm pretty happy for her, to be honest,” the Australian captain said.

“They showed really good intent today, got us thinking a bit more about our field changes, and it was awesome to see them post a total like that.”

Unfortunately for Bangladesh, Mostary’s resistance was overshadowed by an extraordinary Australian chase. Georgia Voll smashed an unbeaten 131 off 97 balls, while Phoebe Litchfield contributed 70 as the opening pair added 162 runs. Australia reached 222 for one in just 28.1 overs, with Voll earning the Player of the Match award.

Despite the heavy defeat, Mostary’s century offered Bangladesh a significant source of encouragement. Joty said the team would use the performance as a learning opportunity and work towards further improvement before the final ODI.

- Star Sports Report