India and Pakistan have not played bilateral cricket in almost a decade, but their duels in ICC tournaments bring cricket fans many memorable moments both on and off the field. While Virat Kohli and Mohammad Rizwan stole the show with their heartwarming gestures after last year’s T20 World Cup match, Pakistan captain Bismah Maroof’s daughter won hearts Women’s World Cup game on March 6th in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand.
Even as Bismah Maroof was busy taking part in post-match interviews, cricketers from India were spotted spending time outside the dressing room with the Pakistani captain’s baby daughter.
In a heartwarming video widely shared online, Indian cricketers including Harmanpreeet Kaur, Ekta Bisht and Smriti Mandhana were seen playing with the child and posing for selfies with the mother-daughter duo. It seemed that the toddler was enjoying all the attention of the Indian cricketers. Some even tried to show Fatima the photos they clicked on Sunday.
WATCH: INDIA CRICKETERS SPEND TIME WITH PAKISTAN CAPTAIN’S DAUGHTER
After #INDvPAK Indian team plays with @maroof_bismahs daughter Fatima pic.twitter.com/4Iu1Atlrta
— Ghulam Abbas Shah (@ghulamabbasshah) March 6, 2022
In particular, Pakistani skipper Maroof had arrived at the stadium with her daughter ahead of the much-anticipated match against India. The photo of the cricketer entering the venue with her child went viral on social media.
Maroof, who gave birth to Fatima in August last year, made a successful return to international cricket thanks to the vigorous support of the Pakistan Cricket Board’s maternal policy of 12 months paid leave and a guaranteed contract extension. She is one of 12 mothers taking part in the ongoing Women’s World Cup in New Zealand.
Remarkably, Maroof’s mother and daughter saw them in their opening match against India on Sunday.
Ahead of the World Cup opener, Maroof had shed light on her journey back to cricket after motherhood.
“The road from birth to here has had some difficulties as I had to start from scratch to regain my fitness. Women don’t often return to sports or pursue careers after marriage or childbirth,” Maroof said.
“I’ve spent a lot of time strength and conditioning at the National High-Performance Center in Lahore.”
Pakistan were unable to end their losing streak against India at ODIs as they lost their World Cup opener by 107 runs. Maroof’s team had the upper hand as they staggered India with 114 for 6, but all-rounders Pooja Vastrakar and Sneh Rana hit dismal fifties to help India after 244.
Pakistan were bundled for 137 as Rajeshwari Gayakwad saved 4 wickets.
