Sunday, 11 October 2026
'AWESOME FOR THE GAME OF CRICKET': MOSTARY'S HISTORIC CENTURY WINS HEARTS DESPITE DEFEAT
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| 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
MARCO BEZZECHI WINS IN INDONESIA AS MARTIN TAKES MOTOGP LEAD
Bezzecchi’s win, the 300th victory for an Italian in MotoGP, also kept his faint championship hopes alive.
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| Aprilia Racing rider Marco Bezzecchi celebrates on the podium after winning the MotoGP Indonesian Grand Prix at the Mandalika International Circuit [Sonny Tumbelaka/AFP] |
Marco Bezzecchi has stormed to victory in the Indonesian Grand Prix while Jorge Martin finished third to reclaim the overall season lead in the MotoGP world championship.
The Italian Bezzecchi, riding an Aprilia, made his move on pole-sitter Raul Fernandez in the final third of a captivating Grand Prix at a sweltering Mandalika International Circuit on Sunday.
Spain’s Fernandez came home second and compatriot Martin third, also on Aprilia bikes.
Ducati’s reigning seven-time world champion Marc Marquez finished sixth.
That meant Martin retook the lead in the championship from Marquez by two points, with five more race weekends remaining.
Martin leads with 355 points, with Marquez on his tail on 353.
Bezzecchi is still alive in the championship title hunt, in third position with 309 points.
“It’s amazing, I’m very, very happy,” said Bezzecchi, who last won a race in May. “It was a nice battle with Raul and I think me and all my team deserve a result like this. They have been through tough times with me.”
‘I did the maximum’
Martin, who will head to Australia in a fortnight with the most slender of leads, said he had done all he could.
“I did the maximum,” said Martin, who started alongside title rival Marquez on the second row of the grid.
“I did my best. At the start I lost a lot of positions but tried to be calm and was overtaking riders step by step.
“We are still in the fight and still in the lead,” he added.
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| Aprilia Racing’s world championship leader Jorge Martin came third in Sunday’s Indonesian GP [Sonny Tumbelaka/AFP] |
Fernandez, having to improvise to brake after fracturing two fingers in Saturday’s sprint, got away cleanly from his first-ever pole.
He and Bezzecchi, who started alongside him on the grid, had clashed and crashed out in the sprint.
The sprint was won by Marquez to grab the championship lead for the first time from compatriot Martin.
After a third of the 27 laps in the Grand Prix, Fernandez kept the fellow Aprilia of Bezzecchi at bay despite his injury.
Former world champion Martin was running third, with Marquez looming in fifth without ever really threatening.
Fernandez, who had two previous victories, kept his cool under tremendous pressure from Bezzecchi until lap 19, when the Italian made his move to grasp the lead.
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| Aprilia Racing rider Marco Bezzecchi in action in Indonesia [Sonny Tumbelaka/AFP] |
Bezzecchi streaked away from there to win by 4.26 seconds as Fernandez gamely hung on for second.
- AFP
VINICIUS JR SPARKS MAJOR CONTROVERSY WITH SOCIAL MEDIA ACTIVITY HOURS AFTER REAL MADRID RED CARD
Vinicius was sent off for pulling the hair of an opponent during Real Madrid's 1-0 win over Villarreal.
Vinicius Junior has responded in telling fashion after he was sent off for pulling an opponent's hair during Real Madrid's 1-0 La Liga win over Villarreal.
Yan Diomande scored the only goal of the game for Real on 63 minutes, but Jose Mourinho's side were forced to protect their lead following Vinicius' straight red card.
The Brazilian thought he had scored Real's second goal on 72 minutes, but VAR spotted that he had pulled the hair of Villarreal's Nathan Saliba in the build-up and the goal was rescinded, with a red card awarded to Vinicius. The 26-year-old has reportedly since apologised to his team-mates for the incident - but his social media activity could land him in some hot water.
'What a disgrace...' - Vinicius' social media activity sums up red card feelings
Vinicius also apologised to fans on social media for his red card - though a re-post to his story appears to question other decisions against him this season.
On his Instagram page, he re-posted a post from a Vinicius Jr fan page - which has over 500,000 followers - that features a series of fouls on Vinicius from other players during the 2026/27 season that did not result in red cards.
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| Image: Instagram/@vinijr |
The post is captioned: "And the one who gets the yellow and red is Vinicius, what a disgrace." Vinicius commented on the post with three laughing emojis.
While the Brazilian is clearly not questioning the decision to give him a red card, his apparent criticism of refereeing decisions towards other players compared to him will no doubt spark huge debate.
Jose Mourinho skips post-match press conference
According to Spanish outlet MARCA, Real manager Jose Mourinho refused to appear at the post-match press conference - for a reason most fans can probably guess.
It is claimed that Mourinho did not want to speak to the media due to his fury towards the refereeing of Isidro Diaz de Mera Escuderos, allegedly stating that he 'want[s] to be on the bench against Sevilla and Barcelona' in Real's upcoming matches.
Once again, no Real player conducted press duties either, meaning there was no post-match reaction in the press room from anybody connected with Los Blancos after the 1-0 win.
Midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, though, did speak to Real Madrid TV over the Vinicius sending off.
"I don't know what's going on with the referees," he said. "With this red card, I don't understand. The most important thing is the victory."
For Diomande, his winning strike was the Ivorian's first competitive goal for Real after his club-record €125 million move from RB Leipzig last summer.
He may have to play an even more crucial rule when the next instalment of El Clasico takes place later in October. Vinicius is currently set to miss the upcoming La Liga fixture against Sevilla, but that ban could be extended to as high as three games for violent conduct should La Liga deem it necessary - which would rule him out of the away fixture against Barcelona on October 25.
Featured Image Credit: Getty
- Ryan Smart
Saturday, 10 October 2026
DREAM COME TRUE: STAUNCH ARSENAL SUPPORTER TUSEKILE MWANDOSYA POSES WITH PREMIER LEAGUE TROPHY IN DAR ES SALAAM
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania — The iconic English Premier League trophy made a historic stop at The Dome in Dar es Salaam, where elated Arsenal supporter Tusekile Mwandosya was among the first to pose with the coveted silverware. The visit is part of a wider trophy tour of East Africa, sponsored by Guinness, aimed at bringing the excitement of England's top football league closer to its passionate fanbase on the continent.
The event drew hundreds of football enthusiasts, who lined up for a rare chance to see and take photos with the trophy that symbolizes the pinnacle of club football. For Mwandosya, a lifelong Gunners fan, the moment was particularly special. "This is a dream come true," she said. "I never thought I'd ever be this close to the Premier League trophy. It's a huge honor for Tanzania to host it."
The tour, which also includes stops in Kenya and Uganda, is part of Guinness's ongoing commitment to celebrating football culture and uniting fans across the region. Organizers noted that the trophy's presence in East Africa reflects the growing popularity of the Premier League and the deep-rooted passion of its supporters in this part of the world.
The Premier League trophy has been on a global tour, visiting various countries to engage with fans and promote the league's international reach. Its stop in Tanzania marks a significant moment for local football fans, many of whom follow the English top flight with fervor. The event at The Dome featured interactive fan zones, live music, and screenings of classic Premier League matches, creating a festive atmosphere throughout the day.
Guinness representatives highlighted that the tour is not just about showcasing the trophy but also about celebrating the shared love of the game. "We are thrilled to bring the Premier League trophy to Tanzania," said a spokesperson. "This is about connecting with our consumers and celebrating the beautiful game together."
As the trophy continues its journey through East Africa, it leaves behind a trail of unforgettable memories for fans like Mwandosya, who now have a story to tell for a lifetime.
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