Indian women's team defeated Pakistan to start their World Cup campaign on a winning note in Mount Maunganui on Sunday. However, more than their brilliance on the field, their off-field heartwarming interaction with Pakistan skipper Bismah Maroof's daughter Fatima became the talk of the town. 

Maroof arrived with her baby for Pakistan's first World Cup game and a picture of her holding her daughter in her arms, entering the Bay Oval stadium went viral on social media within minutes as fans from all across the world hailed the gesture by Pakistan's skipper. 

Cricket kit
Bags packed
Baby cradle

Pakistan captain Bismah Maroof ready to face India #CWC22 pic.twitter.com/HEPrjYow7a

— ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) March 6, 2022

With the ongoing pandemic and bio-bubble scenarios, the ICC, much like other major sports bodies, has allowed women players to bring their toddlers along with them. 

Soon after India registered a comfortable 107-run win over arch-rivals Pakistan, Indian players were seen playing with Maroof's daughter Fatima. 

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A video of their wholesome interaction went viral on social media and fans hailed the gesture by Indian players. 

India ki larkiyaan Dil bhi jeet gyen aur Match bhi love from pak

— Muhammad Asif (@asif2664a) March 7, 2022

Indian cricket team members play with the 1 yr old daughter of Pakistan s cricket captain after the match.

Has there been a better scene than this in any men’s sport.

Tigresses won the game first and then our hearts! https://t.co/0AQgtDvnQ3

— Ashwath Desai (@AshwathDesai) March 6, 2022

Video of the day ,beyond every things https://t.co/Ci9Mu6aOve

— Shakeel khan (@Shakeel_17) March 6, 2022

That’s how cricket should be #bringingcountriestogether https://t.co/lGv2FJVKA4

— Noordad Aziz (@Noordad) March 7, 2022

can we just archive the term 'arch-rivals' ? https://t.co/PKk6jGzPCY

— Krishna Daga (@dagakrishna22) March 6, 2022 

Coming to the match, India were in deep trouble after captain Mithali Raj won the toss and decided to bat. India were reeling at 114 for six at one stage but a 122-run partnership between Sneh Rana and Pooja Vastrakar helped them to post a total of 244 for seven. 

The total proved to be too much for Pakistan as they fell short of the target by 107 runs. Vastrakar was adjudged player of the match for her knock of 67 off just 59 deliveries. 

1st 'Player of the Match' Award and that too in a Debut World Cup Match!

Pooja Vastrakar #CWC22 #INDvPAK Disney+Hotstar pic.twitter.com/IDl0fCRJJR

— Female Cricket #CWC22 (@imfemalecricket) March 6, 2022

India, with a thumping win in their first match, will travel to Hamilton to take on hosts New Zealand on March 10. India had defeated New Zealand when the two teams last met in the 50-over format and will be eyeing to put up a similar performance and increase their chance of making it to the last four. 

It will be the last World Cup for two legends of Indian women's cricket -- Mithali Raj and Jhulan Goswami -- and the team would be looking to give them the perfect send-off by winning the country's first-ever Women's World Cup title.

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