On Sunday, India managed to defend a paltry total of 169 against Pakistan in the ongoing Women’s World Cup. Left-arm spinner Ekta Bisht was the main reason for India’s success. Ekta scaled a five-wicket haul to dent Pakistan’s batting. She ended with figures of 5/18 in her quota of ten overs as Pakistan were bundled out for just 74. Also Read - 2021 Haridwar Kumbh: In a First, Number of Pilgrims to Be Restricted; Entry Passes to Be Issued

The 95-run win helped India move to the top of the points table. Ekta, who hails from Almora in Uttarakhand, registered the best bowling figures by an Indian at the Women’s World Cup. Also Read- Ekta Bisht Scalps Five-for as IND Beat PAK by 95 Runs Also Read - Fossil of Newly Discovered Ape Species, Dating Back 13 Million Years, Unearthed in Uttarakhand

However, like any other small town girl or boy, the journey for the 31-year-old has not been a smooth one. According to a Times of India report, Kundan Singh Bisht, Ekta’s father, opened a tea stall in Almora to support her daughter’s dreams of playing cricket. The income from the tea stall helped the family to bear the expenses of her training. Also Read - Top Five Destinations Near Delhi-NCR That Are Safe For Travel Amidst COVID-19

Ekta’s father, who retired as Havaldar from the Indian Army, used to get a pension of Rs 1,500. But that was not enough for him to support his family and had to open a tea stall.

“Ekta started playing cricket when she was just six. From then on, her love for the sport only grew. We were sure that she would do the country proud and she has done just that since she joined the national team in 2011,” Ekta’s father was quoted as saying TOI. Also Check- ICC Women’s World Cup 2017 Schedule

“She loved the sport so much that she started playing cricket with boys. People would come and watch because she was the only girl in a team of boys. It put a strain on our finances but we supported her fully. She was a responsible child and would save the money we gave her during trials,” the cricketer’s mother, Tara, added.

As Ekta made progress in cricket, her father eventually took ‘retirement’ from the small business as well.

“Our finances improved after she was selected for the cricket team as sponsors started pouring in. Eventually, my husband’s pension also increased and we could finally shut down the tea stall,” Tara said.