The Turning Point: Sobhana Mostary Reflects on the Historic Win That Transformed Bangladesh Women’s Cricket
As the 2026 Women’s Asia Cup gets underway, the Bangladesh women’s cricket team is stepping onto the field not just as competitors, but as a squad carrying the legacy of a monumental turning point. For rising star Sobhana Mostary, this tournament is more than just a series of fixtures—it is a reminder of the 2018 triumph that reshaped the landscape of the sport in her nation.
A Historic Catalyst
Reflecting on the seismic shift in the women’s game, Mostary pinpointed the 2018 Asia Cup as the moment everything changed. In that tournament, Bangladesh delivered a stunning blow to the regional hierarchy by defeating India twice, including a nail-biting, last-ball victory in the final in Kuala Lumpur.
“After 2018, we beat India and won the Asia Cup, so it was a huge change in Bangladesh women’s cricket,” Mostary shared in an exclusive interview. “Everything changed. They started giving us lots of facilities, money, everything. There was a lot of change.”
The victory, which saw the Bangladesh Cricket Board reward the team with 2 crore Taka, proved that the team could compete at the highest level. Now, as they enter the 2026 campaign, Mostary remains inspired by that history. “We think this Asia Cup, we fight for the title, because if we beat India, so maybe we own the Asia Cup,” she added.
A Journey of Resilience
Mostary’s own path to the international stage was defined by grit. A multi-sport athlete in her youth, she left her village at just 10 years old to train at the Bangladesh Krira Shiksha Pratisthan (BKSP). Her talent earned her a senior team call-up at age 16, but success was not immediate. She spent several frustrating years traveling with the national side without securing a consistent spot in the playing XI.
“It was very difficult,” she admitted. “I always travelled with the team, but couldn’t play. I just waited and thought that someday the opportunity would come and I could show my strength.”
That patience has blossomed into form. While the ICC recognized her as a player to watch in 2023, Mostary remains humble, insisting that her “bright future” is a work in progress. “I don’t think I have fulfilled my dream yet, but day by day, I improve.”
Inspiration Across Borders
Despite being a fierce competitor against them, Mostary holds a deep admiration for Indian cricket. Her childhood hero is none other than Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur. Mostary was captivated by Kaur’s legendary unbeaten 171 against Australia in the 2017 World Cup, a performance that shaped her own approach to match control and leadership.
“That match inspired me a lot; I followed her batting, everything—how she controls the match and now how she captains,” Mostary said. She also expressed a professional appreciation for the consistency of Indian bowler Deepti Sharma, whom she described as one of the toughest opponents to face.
Beyond the Pitch
While her life is now consumed by cricket, the path not taken remains a point of reflection. Mostary revealed that had she not pursued sports, she likely would have followed her mother’s wish for her to become a doctor.
Instead, she continues to chase glory on the cricket field. With Bangladesh placed in Group B alongside Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and the UAE, the team is focused on navigating the group stage to set up a potential high-stakes encounter against India in the knockouts.
As Bangladesh embarks on this latest chapter, they do so with the confidence of a team that knows exactly what it feels like to overcome the odds—a belief championed by players like Sobhana Mostary who remain committed to elevating their nation’s status on the global stage.
(Watch the DP World Women’s Asia Cup live on Sony Sports Ten 1 SD & HD & Sony LIV.)
