Victory against Pakistan makes it extra special for Subedar daughter

CHANDIGARH: When Ekta Bisht was named in the India ODI team back in 2011, her neighbourhood Khajanchi Mohalla in Almora, Uttarakhand, celebrated with dhols beats and sweets were distributed by her parents.

After all, she had become the first player in 11 years to make it to the national team from that state. Since then, the 31-year-old cricketer from the hills has been doing well and making India proud.

India women were on the back foot after setting up a target 170 runs against arch-rivals Pakistan at Derby, however, the pint sized Ekta wove a web around the neighbouring country team’s batters and claimed a fifer to steer India to a 95-run win.

EARLY STRUGGLE

Ekta’s tryst with cricket began when she was nine. Due to lack of open playing fields in the hills, Ekta used to play in the empty plot along with boys of her colony.

It was then that local coach Liyaqat Ali spotted her and took her under his wings at the Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna stadium just 3 kms away from her house. In the beginning, she started off as a medium-pacer but on coach Ali’s insistence she took to leftarm spin bowling.

Her father Subedar Kundan Bisht retired from Indian Army 15 years ago and also fought in the 1971 Indo-Pak war. He was the rock behind Ekta dreams and encouraged her to take up the sport. She has 48 ODIS to her credit and taken 68 wickets and 36 T20s with 45 scalps.

In such a great form, Ekta is for sure going to be India’s trump card in the upcoming matches in the Women’s World Cup.