Mostary eyes qualifier title after sealing T20 WC berth

After confirming their place in the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, Bangladesh batter Sobhana Mostary has made it clear that the team’s “mission isn’t complete yet,” as they now aim to lift the trophy in the ongoing qualifying tournament in Nepal.

Bangladesh have been in commanding form throughout the tournament, winning all five of their matches so far. Their most recent triumph -- a convincing 39-run victory over Thailand in the opening Super Six clash at Mulpani Cricket Ground in Kathmandu yesterday -- ensured their qualification for the main event with two games still to play.

“Alhamdulillah, we’ve already qualified for the T20 World Cup after winning five matches in a row,” Mostary said in a video message after the game. “We still have two more matches to play. Our mission isn’t complete yet. We want to become champions of this tournament.”

The Tigresses were also guaranteed a top-four finish after the Netherlands defeated the USA by 21 runs via the DLS method on the same day. That result confirmed the Dutch side’s maiden Women’s T20 World Cup appearance as well.

Four teams from the qualifier will progress to the main tournament, where they will join Australia, England, India, New Zealand, South Africa, West Indies, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The Women’s T20 World Cup is scheduled to take place in England and Wales from June 12 to July 5.

On Wednesday, Bangladesh posted a competitive 165 for 8 after being sent in to bat. The innings was rebuilt brilliantly after early setbacks, as Juairiya Ferdous and Mostary stitched together a crucial 110-run partnership for the third wicket.

Juairiya scored 56 off 45 balls, hitting three fours and four sixes to register her maiden WT20I fifty, while Mostary struck 59 off 42 deliveries, including nine fours and a six. Ritu Moni then provided late impetus with a quickfire 15 off just six balls.

Thailand began their chase poorly, losing Suwanan Khiaoto off the very first ball to Marufa Akter. Though Natthakan Chantham (46), Naruemol Chaiwai (30), and Nannapat Koncharoenkai (29) kept them in the contest, the rising required rate proved too much.

Marufa starred with the ball, claiming three for 25, while Ritu Moni and Shorna Akter chipped in with two wickets each to seal a comfortable win.

Bangladesh currently top the Super Six table with six points and a healthy net run rate of 1.15. Mostary, now the tournament’s second-highest run-scorer with 182 runs, also has bigger ambitions.

“When we go to England for the World Cup, we definitely want to win more matches than we did last time,” she said, referring to Bangladesh’s single win in the 2024 edition in the UAE.

The Tigresses will face Scotland in Kirtipur on Friday before concluding their campaign against the Netherlands on Sunday.