Indian cricketer Smiti Mandhana says Bismah Maroof is an inspiration for sportswomen

Bismah Maroof, the captain of Pakistan’s women’s cricket, won the internet after pictures of her stepping into the international cricket field six months after giving birth went viral. The cricketer was spotted with her baby girl, Fatima. Not only were the sports enthusiasts in the country inspired by her commitment but arch-rivals, the Indian cricket team was also seen celebrating the return of Bismah along with her daughter, Fatima, onto the game again.

Several pictures from the dressing room following the match went viral too which saw the girls in blue being amused by baby Fatima’s presence.

Indian cricketer, Smiti Mandhana, took to her Instagram story to share her admiration for Bismah’s dedication to her sport and her family.

Sharing a selfie of the sportswomen enjoying their time post the game, Smiti wrote, “Coming back post-pregnancy in six months and playing international cricket is so inspiring.” Smiti holds the Pakistani cricketer high and believes that Bismah “set an example for sportswomen all across the globe.” Sending her love to baby Fatima, she further added, “Lots of love for baby Fatima from India. I hope that she will pick the bat just like you [Bismah Maroof] because lefties are special.”

Bismah gave birth to the baby girl in August last year, with her daughter making her stadium debut during Pakistan versus India match held in New Zealand. When the pictures first surfaced, many Twitter users took to the site to laud her for juggling motherhood with her cricketing career with grace, with one user writing, “A very powerful picture of how a hand that rocks the cradle can hold a bat at the same time. Thank you for paving the path, Bismah Maroof. Keep on shining.”

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