Can Sobhana Mostary's Grit Save Bangladesh in the World Cup?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Sobhana Mostary's
- England's bowlers were dominant, especially Sophie Ecclestone.
- Rabeya Khan provided a late innings boost.
- Bangladesh needs to improve its batting strategy.
- The match showcased the competitiveness of the Women's World Cup.
Guwahati, Oct 7 (NationPress) Sobhana Mostary emerged as a beacon of hope during Bangladesh’s batting turmoil, scoring a determined half-century. However, her performance fell short as the team was dismissed for 178 runs in 49.4 overs after being invited to bat first against England Women at Baraspara Stadium in Guwahati.
Mostary’s resilient 60 runs off 108 deliveries, featuring four boundaries, stood out in a largely disappointing display from Bangladesh. She displayed remarkable poise following the early loss of both openers, working to rebuild the innings with grit and resolve. The 22-year-old celebrated her first ODI half-century off 92 balls, holding steady as wickets fell around her.
The Bangladeshi innings struggled for momentum. After Lauren Bell (1-24) broke the opening partnership of 24 by removing Rubya Haider (4) in the fifth over, Linsey Smith (1-33) followed up by dismissing captain Nigar Sultana for a silver duck. Sharmin Akhter (30) and Mostary provided a brief stabilizing force, reaching 31/2 at the end of the powerplay, but Sharmin fell shortly after the drinks break, caught by the keeper.
Shorna Akter (10) was dismissed by Charlie Dean (2/28), leading to a drastic drop in Bangladesh’s scoring rate. Between overs 20 and 30, they managed a mere 16 runs, as Ritu Moni (5 off 36) and Mostary struggled to rotate the strike. Moni ultimately succumbed to mounting pressure in the 34th over.
At 109/6, the innings seemed destined for disaster, but Rabeya Khan provided a spirited boost with a cameo of 43 runs off 27 balls, including six boundaries. Her late surge ensured Bangladesh avoided a significantly lower score.
Fahima Khatun (7), Nahida Akter (1), and Sanjida Meghla (1) offered little assistance as Bangladesh’s innings concluded in the final over.
The effectiveness of England’s spinners was once again evident. Sophie Ecclestone spearheaded the attack with figures of 3 for 24 from her 10 overs, while Smith, Dean, and Alice Capsey (2-31) each contributed with two wickets. Their collective performance ensured that Bangladesh was limited to a subpar total, paving the way for England to comfortably chase down the target and secure their second tournament victory.
Brief scores:
Bangladesh: 178 all out in 49.4 overs (Sobhana Mostary 60, Rabeya Khan 43 not out; Sophie Ecclestone 3-24, Charlie Dean 2-28) against England