Bangladesh’s rise in women’s T20 cricket received global recognition as one of its most influential performers was rewarded for a month of match-defining contributions on the international stage.
Sobhana Mostary has been named the ICC Women’s Player of the Month for January 2026, following her outstanding displays in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier, where she played a central role in steering Bangladesh to qualification for the World Cup later this year.
The elegant right-hander emerged as Bangladesh’s batting backbone during the tournament, combining consistency with aggressive strokeplay. Across her first six matches at the Global Qualifier, Mostary amassed 229 runs at an impressive average of 45.80 and a strike rate of 145.85, underlining her ability to dominate attacks while maintaining stability at the top order.
Her performances were instrumental in Bangladesh finishing the tournament unbeaten, showcasing both individual brilliance and team cohesion at a crucial stage of the qualification pathway.
Mostary was shortlisted for the monthly honour alongside Ireland captain Gaby Lewis and USA left-arm pacer Tara Norris, but it was the Bangladeshi batter’s impact in high-pressure moments that set her apart.
The highlight of her campaign came in the decisive clash against Thailand, where Bangladesh sealed their place at the Women’s T20 World Cup with a commanding 39-run victory. Mostary rose to the occasion with a fluent 59, her highest score of the tournament earning the Player of the Match award for her pivotal knock. She backed it up with another composed innings of 47 against Scotland, further reinforcing her consistency across conditions and opponents.
Bangladesh’s qualification for the marquee global event in June and July marks a significant milestone for the team, and Mostary’s form will be vital as they prepare to take on the world’s best sides. Her January performances not only anchored Bangladesh’s campaign but also highlighted her growing stature as one of the most dependable batters in the women’s T20 circuit.
With momentum firmly on her side, Sobhana Mostary now heads into the World Cup year as a key figure in Bangladesh’s ambitions, and as a player whose influence extends well beyond the scorecard.
