ICC Women’s World Cup 2017: Pakistani cricketer’s message for ‘inspiration’ Jhulan Goswami wins hearts

ICC Women's World Cup 2017: Pakistani cricketer Kainat Imtiaz shared a picture with India’s veteran pacer and former captain Jhulan Goswami.

On ‘Super Sunday’, India Women beat Pakistan comprehensively in the group stage of ICC Women’s World Cup 2017. In what evoked patriotism among the fans from both sides of the border, the match witnessed intense action on the field as well. Batting first, India were restricted to 169 for 9 in the stipulated 50 overs. In reply, Pakistan folded for a paltry 74, losing the match by 95 runs and keeping with the trend of losing to India in ODIs. After India’s win, the atmosphere did get a bit tensed on the social media like it usually does every time after an India-Pakistan game. However, unlike fans, the players involved in the contest were extremely cordial to each other off the field. WWC17: Poonam’s father expresses pleasure following IND’s win over PAK

Pakistani cricketer Kainat Imtiaz was perhaps the best example of this. Not a part of the playing XI, Kainat was delighted to meet her inspiration during the match. She took to her Instagram account to inform the world who her inspiration was. She shared a picture with India’s veteran pacer and former captain Jhulan Goswami, mentioning that she looks up to her. In fact, Kainat also mentioned that Jhulan was one of the reasons she started bowling fast. Kainat shared the picture with an emotional message. WWC17: IND played like ‘warriors’ vs PAK, terms Vijay Goel

Here’s what she shared:

Let me share a story with you all. In 2005 i saw the Indian team for the 1st time as the Asia cup was held in Pakistan. I was the ball picker during the tornament… I saw @jhulangoswami. The fastest bowler of that time. I was so impressed that i chose cricket as a career. Specificly fast bowling. Its a proud moment for me as after 12 years today in 2017 i am playing this ODI World Cup with one of my inspirations and getting more inspired…….

A post shared by kainat Imtiaz (@kainatimtiaz23) on Jul 3, 2017 at 6:09am PDT

Kainat wrote how she first saw Jhulan bowling from close quarters during the 2005 Asia Cup, held in Pakistan. Then a mere 13, Kainat was a ball-girl during that tournament. Watching Jhulan bowl fast inspired her to take up cricket and here she was, on Sunday, coming extremely close to play in the same match as her idol. Interestingly, Jhulan herself was a ball-girl in the 1997 World Cup final. Indian Eves’ win against Pakistan in ICC WWC17 inspires Kohli, Team India: Sanjay Bangar

The post shared by Kainat went viral in no time, with fans from both countries showering love on her. Despite not playing the big match, Kainat has managed to win hearts of all and sundry. She is a medium-pacer herself like her idol Jhulan. Only 25, has so far played 6 ODIs and a T20I for Pakistan, picking up 4 and 2 wickets respectively. In the ongoing World Cup, she played the first 2 matches, against South Africa and England.

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