Bismah Maroof is a name that represents strength and skill in Pakistan’s cricket history. As a left-handed batter and a handy leg-spin bowler, she has left a lasting mark on the game. Her journey is not just about a player who scored runs and took wickets. It is a story of leadership, breaking barriers, and inspiring a new generation of female cricketers in Pakistan. She has been a pillar for the national team for over a decade. Her contributions go beyond simple statistics. This article looks at the top 10 highlights of her amazing international career.
1. A Remarkable Debut at a Young Age
Bismah Maroof stepped onto the international stage at just 15 years old. She made her One Day International (ODI) debut against India in the 2006 Women’s Asia Cup. Making a debut is always a big moment, but doing so against a rival team at such a young age showed her immense potential. She followed this with her Twenty20 International (T20I) debut against Ireland in 2009. These early appearances were not just about filling a spot on the team. They were the first signs of a future star. Her calm attitude and clear talent made everyone take notice. It was clear that Pakistan had found a special player who would serve the country for years to come.
2. Becoming Pakistan’s Leading Run-Scorer
Consistency is the true test of a great player. Bismah Maroof has proven her consistency time and again. Over her long career, she became Pakistan’s all-time leading run-scorer in both ODIs and T20Is. This is a huge achievement. It shows her ability to perform against different opponents and in various conditions.
In ODIs, she has scored thousands of runs, often anchoring the innings for her team. Her ability to build partnerships and play under pressure has been vital for Pakistan. Similarly, in the fast-paced T20I format, she has been a dependable source of runs. Surpassing legends and setting this record cements her status as one of Pakistan’s greatest batters. Her name is now permanently written in the country’s cricket record books.
3. Leading Pakistan to a Gold Medal
Captaincy brings a new level of pressure, but Bismah Maroof handled it with grace. One of her biggest achievements as a leader was guiding the Pakistan women’s team to a gold medal. This historic victory came at the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea. Under her smart captaincy, the team played with confidence and unity. They defeated a strong Bangladesh side in a thrilling final. Winning a gold medal at a major international event was a massive boost for women’s cricket in Pakistan. It brought joy to the nation and proved that the team could compete and win on the biggest stages.
4. The Memorable 99 Against South Africa
Every batter dreams of scoring a century. In 2015, Bismah Maroof came incredibly close during an ODI against South Africa. She played a brilliant innings, showing great control and hitting beautiful shots all around the ground. She masterfully handled the South African bowling attack and seemed destined for a hundred. However, she was run out for 99 in a heartbreaking moment. While she missed the century by just one run, the innings itself was a masterpiece. It remains one of the highest scores by a Pakistani woman in ODIs. This knock highlighted her class and ability to play long, match-winning innings.
5. First Pakistani Woman to 1000 T20I Runs
Bismah Maroof has always been a trailblazer. In 2016, she became the first Pakistani woman to score 1,000 runs in T20 Internationals. This was a significant milestone in the shortest format of the game. It showed her adaptability and skill in a format that demands quick scoring and aggressive batting. Reaching this landmark before any of her teammates demonstrated her dominance and consistency in T20 cricket. This achievement inspired many other players in the team to aim higher and pushed the standards of batting in Pakistan women’s cricket.
6. A Brave Comeback After Motherhood
Perhaps one of the most inspiring chapters of Bismah Maroof’s career is her return to cricket after becoming a mother. In the world of professional sports, coming back after childbirth is a huge challenge. She took a break from the game for the birth of her daughter, Fatima. Many wondered if she would ever play for Pakistan again.
However, Bismah showed incredible determination. She returned to the team with her baby in tow, thanks to the support of the Pakistan Cricket Board’s maternal policy. Her comeback at the 2022 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup was a powerful statement. She walked into stadiums with her daughter, becoming a symbol of hope for female athletes everywhere. Her journey proved that motherhood does not have to be the end of a professional sports career.
7. Captaining Pakistan in World Cups
Leading a country in the World Cup is the highest honor for any captain. Bismah Maroof had the privilege of captaining Pakistan in multiple ICC World Cups, including both the ODI and T20 formats. She led the team in the 2020 T20 World Cup and the 2022 ODI World Cup. While the team did not win the trophies, her leadership was crucial. She managed a mix of young and experienced players, instilling a sense of belief in the squad. Captaining at this level requires tactical intelligence and the ability to inspire a team. Bismah demonstrated these qualities, earning respect from teammates and opponents alike.
8. Valuable All-Round Contributions
While she is primarily known for her batting, Bismah Maroof is also a useful leg-spin bowler. Throughout her career, she has chipped in with important wickets at crucial times. Her bowling adds depth to the team, giving the captain an extra option to break partnerships. She has taken over 40 wickets in both ODIs and T20Is. This ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes her a valuable all-round asset. Her fielding is also sharp, making her a complete cricketer who influences the game in all three departments.
9. Scoring a Half-Century in Her 100th T20I
Playing 100 matches in any format is a sign of longevity and excellence. Bismah Maroof celebrated her 100th T20I appearance in style. In a match against England during the 2020 T20 World Cup, she scored a composed half-century. Reaching a personal milestone is special, but performing on that occasion makes it even more memorable. This innings showed her mental strength and her love for the big stage. It was a fitting tribute to her incredible journey in T20 cricket, a format she has helped shape for Pakistan.
10. A Role Model for Millions
Beyond the runs, wickets, and victories, Bismah Maroof’s greatest highlight might be her impact as a role model. For over 15 years, she has been the face of women’s cricket in Pakistan. Young girls across the country look up to her. They see a woman who has balanced family and a demanding professional career, who has led her country with pride, and who has broken records. She has shown that with hard work and passion, anything is possible. Her legacy is not just in the statistics but in the countless girls she has inspired to pick up a cricket bat.
While we celebrate Bismah Maroof’s Career brilliance, Pakistan’s upcoming clash with India promises another thrilling chapter in cricket history.
