India began their 2022 Women’s World Cup campaign with a massive win against Pakistan. However, the moment of the match arrived after it got over. The Indian team circled around Pakistan captain Bismah Maroof and her newborn baby to spend some wholesome time with her.
The post-match visuals of the clash between India and Pakistan were firmly focussed on Pakistan captain Bismah Maroof holding her baby in her arms. All around her were Indian players who were trying to play with the little baby and tried to make her laugh and cricket fans celebrated these warming scenes between the two arch-rivals as a perfect endorsement of the spirit of sports.
A clip of this, following Pakistan’s 107-run loss to India in the Women’s World Cup match in Mount Manganui in New Zealand, went viral and attracted the attention and adoration of the internet. After the match came to an end, several players from the Indian camp walked up to the Pakistan changing room to meet Maroof’s six-month-old baby.
The Pakistan captain cut short her maternity leave for the interest of her nation. She travelled to the World Cup in New Zealand along with her baby daughter Fatima. Maroof’s incredible dedication and determination has been lauded by many as an exemplary show of sporting spirit.
The Indian players clicked several pictures with Bismah and her daughter. Sharing a picture of the same on her Instagram story, Indian batter Smriti Mandhana wrote,
“Coming back post pregnancy in 6 months and playing international cricket is so inspiring. Bismah Maroof setting an example for sportswomen across the globe. Lots of love to baby Fatima from India and I hope she picks the bat just like you because lefties are special.”
India began their World Cup campaign with an impressive win over arch-rivals Pakistan. Put to bat first, the team was reeling under the pressure when they had been reduced to 114-6. However, a world record seventh wicket stand between Sneh Rana and Pooja Vastrakar made all the difference as India got to a competitive score of 244/7.
Pakistan hardly got going during the run-chase as the likes of Rajeshwari Gayakwad and Jhulan Goswami wreaked havoc with their bowling. Gayakwad picked up four wickets to help bundle out the Pakistan batting unit for only 137.
