Pakistan pacer Kainat Imtiaz reveals India’s Goswami inspired her to become a cricketer
Kainat narrated how her childhood dream has come true as she plays the World Cup alongside her idol
July 04, 2017
Often beneath even the bitterest rivalries in the world of sports resides a far stronger spirit of mutual love and respect. When archrivals Pakistan and India clash on the cricket pitch, it is no secret all other sporting rivalries in the world take the backseat, but out of these moments emerge some of the most heartwarming instances of the true spirit of the game.
Although Pakistan have lost all three of their matches so far in the ongoing ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, including the most recent 95-run defeat to India, young pacer Kainat Imtiaz’s touching story has done wonders to heal the heartbreak to some extent.
The 25-year-old fast bowler has revealed Indian speedster Jhulan Goswami as her inspiration behind becoming a cricketer. Taking to social media on Monday, Kainat narrated how her childhood dream has come true as she plays the World Cup alongside her idol.
“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 tournament... I saw @jhulangoswami. The fastest bowler of that time. I was so impressed that I chose cricket as a career. Specifically fast bowling. It’s 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……. (sic),” Kainat posted on her Instagram.
Goswami was the fastest bowler at that time, and part of the Mithali Raj-led squad that won the tournament, defeating Sri Lanka in the final. The 34-year-old pacer is a veteran of 158 ODIs in which she has taken 186 wickets – the highest in women’s cricket history. Kainat, meanwhile, has played only six ODIs and one T20I thus far.
Earlier during the tournament, Kainat also posted a picture of herself with cricketer and captain-turned-commentator Anjum Chopra, who was also part of the 2005 Asia Cup squad. Chopra is currently commentating in the ongoing World Cup.
Pakistan restricted India to 169 in Sunday’s game but were bowled out for 74 during the chase. The Sana-Mir led Girls in Green play their next match against Australia on Wednesday.
