Sobhana’s Century, Jyoti’s Record Partnership Make History

When Sobhana Mostary walked to the crease in the eighth over, Bangladesh were struggling at 8 for 3. Another embarrassing batting collapse seemed likely, but Ms. Sobhana prevented that from happening. Captain Nigar Sultana Jyoti stood firm at the other end, and together they created history.

Yesterday, the pair added a record 195 runs for the fourth wicket in the second ODI against Australia in Brisbane. It was Bangladesh’s highest partnership for any wicket in women’s ODIs. It also set a record for the highest partnership for any wicket by any team against Australia in women’s ODIs.

Before this, Bangladesh’s highest ODI partnership was 152 runs, scored by Ms. Jyoti and Sharmin Akter for the third wicket against Thailand last year. The previous record for the highest partnership against Australia belonged to New Zealand’s Emily Drumm and Rebecca Rolls, who added 170 runs for the second wicket in 2002.

Batting for 243 balls amid the early collapse, Ms. Sobhana and Ms. Jyoti broke the previous records. Ms. Sobhana played the leading role with a remarkable century. She moved from 95 to 99 with a well-controlled shot off Annabel Sutherland’s short delivery, sending the ball to the boundary through backward point. One ball later, she played in the same direction and took a single to reach the milestone.

The 24-year-old became the first Bangladeshi batter to score a century against Australia in women’s ODIs. She also broke the record for Bangladesh’s highest individual ODI score, previously held by Fargana Haque, who scored 107 off 160 balls against India in 2023.

Ms. Sobhana was eventually bowled by Megan Schutt off a full toss in the 48th over. She scored 118 off 134 balls, hitting 18 fours in an outstanding innings under immense pressure. Her score is now the highest individual innings by a Bangladeshi batter in women’s ODIs.

It was the fourth century by a Bangladeshi batter in women’s ODIs. Before Ms. Sobhana, only Fargana Haque, who scored two centuries, and Nigar Sultana Jyoti had reached the milestone. While Ms. Sobhana departed, Ms. Jyoti remained unbeaten. The Bangladesh captain scored 74 off 114 balls, recording her 10th ODI half-century. No other Bangladeshi batter reached double figures, and no other partnership produced more than 11 runs.

Bangladesh eventually finished on 220 for 6, their highest ODI total against Australia. Their previous best against the side was 198, scored during last year’s Women’s ODI World Cup. However, the total proved insufficient. Georgia Voll’s unbeaten century and a fine innings from Phoebe Litchfield helped Australia reach the target of 221 with 131 balls to spare. Australia won by nine wickets, securing the series with one match remaining. The two teams will meet again on Wednesday at the same venue for the final match of the series.