Women’s Asia Cup: Sobhana Mostary recalls India win that ‘changed everything’ for Bangladesh

Bangladesh’s Sobhana Mostary (AP photo) The 2026 Women’s Asia Cup is already underway and Bangladesh enter the tournament with a familiar opportunity – to test themselves against the best in Asia and potentially India.However, for Sobhana Mostary, the Asia Cup has a meaning that goes far beyond the matches that await us. Six years after Bangladesh’s historic triumph in 2018, memories of that campaign remain deeply connected to how she views the tournament and the growth of women’s cricket in her country.Bangladesh women’s cricket has come a long way since their historic victory over India in the 2018 Women’s Asia Cup, a victory that Sobhana Mostary believes changed the nature of the sport in her country.For Mostar, the 2018 triumph remains a defining moment for Bangladesh women’s cricket.“After 2018, we beat India and won the Asia Cup, so it was a huge change in Bangladesh women’s cricket. Everything changed. They started giving us a lot of facilities, money, everything. There were a lot of changes,” Mostary told TimesofIndia.com in an exclusive interaction ahead of the 2026 Women’s Asia Cup.In their 2018 campaign, Bangladesh defeated India twice in the tournament, including a seven-wicket victory in the group stage, before beating the defending champions by three wickets in a thrilling final in Kuala Lumpur to win their first Women’s Asia Cup. The final went down to the last ball with Jahanara Alam completing two match-winning runs as Bangladesh chased India down to 112/9.The impact was immediate. The Bangladesh Cricket Board has announced a reward of Bangladeshi Taka 2 million for the winning women’s team. For the people of Mostar, the legacy of this victory remains relevant even years later.“We think this Asia Cup, we will fight for the title because if we beat India, we might own the Asia Cup,” she said.Now, as Bangladesh prepare for another Asia Cup campaign, Mostary knows the challenge is different. Bangladesh are in Group B alongside Sri Lanka, Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates, while India are in Group A with Pakistan, Thailand and Hong Kong. The two sides can only meet in the elimination phase.

From Village Academy to International Cricket

Mostary’s own journey began far from the international spotlight. She started playing several sports as a child, including football, badminton and cricket. When she was 10 years old, her father took her to a cricket academy in her village. After about six months of training, she took part in the examination conducted by Bangladesh Krira Shiksha Pratisthan (BKSP) and was selected.This choice changed the course of her life. Mostary moved to Dhaka without her parents to pursue cricket. Her international debut came remarkably early. She was just 16 when she first played for Bangladesh.But her debut did not immediately translate into a regular placement in the XI. Mostary recalled how he spent the next three to three and a half years traveling with the Bangladeshi team without getting consistent playing opportunities.“It was very difficult. I always traveled with the team but I couldn’t play. I just waited and thought that one day the opportunity would come and I could show my strength,” she said.

‘Day by day I’m getting better’

Patience finally started to pay off. The ICC described Mostary as a bright prospect for the future in 2023, but the bag believes he is still working to fulfill that potential.“I don’t think I’ve achieved my dream and that bright future yet, but I’m getting better every day,” she said.

Harmanpreet Kaur: Childhood idol

Interestingly, one of Mostara’s biggest inspirations comes from beyond the borders. Her childhood idol is Harmanpreet Kaur, the Indian captain whose batting left a lasting impression on her as a young cricketer from Bangladesh. Mostary specifically recalled watching Harmanpreet’s memorable innings in the 2017 Women’s World Cup against Australia, when the Indian batsman smashed an unbeaten 171.“That match inspired me a lot, I watched her batting, everything, how she controls the game and now how she is the captain. I just watched everything,” admitted Mostary.In fact, playing India remains something he describes as more exciting than intimidating.“For Bangladeshi fans, playing India is a very good match. They are crazy fans and a lot of supporters come to watch. It is a normal match, but normally playing India is very interesting for us and always very exciting,” she added.Mostary is also particularly appreciative of India’s bowling attack. When asked which Indian bowler she would like to face, she chose Deepti Sharma and praised the all-rounder’s versatility and versatility.“Deepti Sharma is always the best player in the Indian side, she has been playing consistently for so many years and she has improved day by day. I love her bowling,” said Mostary.

Meeting Laura Wolvaardt

While Harmanpreet remains her childhood idol, Mostary has another player she would love to train with, South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt.“I want to practice with Laura Wolvaardt, I really like her batting and she is also a good human being,” she said.

Cricket over medicine

There was a time when cricket wasn’t even Mostary’s first career choice. When asked what she could do if she wasn’t into cricket, she revealed that becoming a doctor is an option.“Maybe a doctor because my mother wanted me to be a doctor,” she said.Instead, the 16-year-old, who once left home to pursue cricket, has now represented Bangladesh on the international stage for years.“I struggled for three or four years, but now I’m better,” she said.And with India once again standing in Bangladesh’s way, Mostary knows exactly what another win could mean.(Watch DP World Women’s Asia live on Sony Sports Ten 1 SD & HD and Sony LIV.)