Indian opener Smriti Mandhana has hailed Pakistan skipper Bismah Maroof for playing in Women's World Cup 2022 just six months after pregnancy. Mandhana and several Indian players met Maroof's daughter Fatima and clicked selfies after a 107-run win over arch-rivals in their campaign opener.
"Coming back post pregnancy in 6 months and playing international cricket is so inspiring. @bismahmaroof setting an example for sportswomen across the globe," Mandhara wrote in an Instagram story.
“Lots of love to baby Fatima from India and I hope she picks the bat just like you bcoz [sic] lefties are special,” the left-handed opener further wrote.
Indian players meeting Maroof and her daughter impressed Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar too as he tweeted on March 6, “What a lovely moment! Cricket has boundaries on the field, but it breaks them all off the field. Sport unites!”
International Cricket Council (ICC) also shared the photo on their social accounts with caption, “Little Fatima's first lesson in the spirit of cricket from India and Pakistan”.
There is a video of Indian players trying to entertain Fatima outside the boundary.
Maroof played her first ODI after a long gap of three years. The 30-year-old's last ODI appearance was in December 2019 against England.
Mandhana had a successful outing in the first ODI as well. The southpaw scored 52 runs from 75 deliveries including three fours and one six. Her 52-run knock and 92-run partnership with Deepti Sharma helped India recover from early wicket of Shafali Verma, who got out for a six-ball duck.
India posted a total of 244/7 at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui. In reply, Pakistan got all out for 137 in 43 overs. Skipper Maroof could not make an impact either as she got out for a 25-ball 15. It was India's fourth win against Pakistan in Women's World Cup events (50-over format).
India will face hosts New Zealand in their next clash on March 10 at Seddon Park, Hamilton. India were recently outclassed by White Ferns in the five-ODI series where the Mithali Raj-led side managed to win just one game.
