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Arshad Muhammad Hanif, a Pakistani fan, sang the Indian national anthem at the World Cup final, as India beat South Africa for their first ICC Women’s title.
Pakistani fan, sang the Indian national anthem (AP and Instagram)
A heartwarming moment from the ICC Women’s World Cup final between India and South Africa has gone viral, showcasing cricket’s ability to unite people across borders.
Arshad Muhammad Hanif, a Pakistani fan, caught the attention of Indians with his touching gesture towards the Indian team during the match on Sunday.
In a widely shared video on social media, Arshad, dressed in a Pakistan cricket jersey, was seen enthusiastically cheering for the Harmanpreet Kaur-led Indian side. What truly moved fans, though, was when he stood up and sang the Indian national anthem before the start of the final. His spontaneous act of respect and support quickly gained traction across platforms, earning admiration from cricket fans on both sides of the border.
Arshad’s gesture served as a reminder of the deeper spirit of the sport — cricket is not merely about rivalry, but also about respect, unity, and a shared love for the game. Many fans commented that such moments illustrate how sport has the power to dissolve boundaries and connect hearts, even between nations with long-standing competition.
WATCH:
India Make History
India celebrated the women’s cricket team’s historic first World Cup victory, with prominent sports figures, political leaders, corporate executives, and Bollywood stars calling it a defining moment that could inspire a whole generation.
It marked a significant milestone for Indian women’s cricket, as years of hard work and near-misses culminated in triumph and history. The team defeated South Africa by 52 runs in the final on Sunday night, becoming only the fourth team to win the ODI title.
The BCCI announced on Monday a cash award of Rs 51 crore for the Harmanpreet Kaur-led squad and its support staff.
The BCCI also acknowledged the significant contribution of Jay Shah, who served as the Board secretary and is now the chairman of the ICC, to the advancement of women’s cricket in India.
(With inputs from Agencies)
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes cricket content, havin…Read More
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes cricket content, havin… Read More
November 04, 2025, 08:40 IST
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