Picture Credit: Twitter
The Women's ODI World Cup 2022 has kicked off in style, with some interesting matches in first couple of days. However, the stage was set for the big game on Sunday as arch-rivals India and Pakistan were up against each other in Mount Maunganui. It was one of the most awaited matches of the tournament and it did live up to the expectations, especially with the number of ups and downs for both sides in the first innings.
The Women in Green took the early onus as they got the opposition in state of both, reducing them to 114/6 in 33.1 overs. However, Sneh Rana (53* off 48) and Pooja Vastrakar (67 off 59) notched up crucial half-centuries to get India to a competitive total of 244/7 in 50 overs. It eventually proved to be too much for Pakistan as they were bowled out on 137, courtesy Rajeshwari Gayakwad's spell of 4/31.
Lovely scenes in dressing room after IND vs PAK clash
But one thing that stood out in the clash was the comradery seen between the players of both sides. If the men's teams of India and Pakistan set the standard by their sportsmanship during 2021 T20 World Cup, the women players took it to a whole new level.
The match was played with great sprit of cricketer but the scenes after the clash was something, which was absolutely heartwarming. The Indian players, including Harmanpreet Kaur, Richa Ghosh, Smriti Mandhana and few others, were seen playing with the daughter of Pakistan captain Bismah Maroof.
It was indeed a beautiful sight for everyone to watch the moment between a young Pakistan girl, little Fatima, and Indian cricketers, showing that love has indeed no boundaries at all.
Watch the video here:
The players also took a selfie, which will go down in history as one of the best images ever taken after a crucial World Cup clash between India and Pakistan. No words could describe the sequence of events scene in Mount Maunganui on Sunday, which the fans will cherish for ages to come.
Isn't this what the sport is all about? Take a bow, ladies! India might have won and Pakistan might have lost on the field, but it was 'Respect' and 'Love' which was earned by players of both sides on Sunday.