Cricket World Cup: Bismah Maroof and baby Fatima star in New Zealand

One of the stars of the Women's World Cup is not seven months old.

Fatima, the daughter of Pakistan captain, is a stand-out because she is the daughter of Shabnim Ismail, Meg Lanning and Deandra Dottin.

Pictures of Fatima being cooed over by India players after their win over Pakistan were beamed around the world, the significance of the scene given the political situation between the two countries.

When you consider that she only gave birth in August, it's even more remarkable that she's balancing the demands of being a mother with leading her country at a World Cup.

The batter thought her international career was over when she became pregnant. With the help of a maternity policy put in place by the Pakistan Cricket Board and the encouragement of coach David Hemp, Bismah has made an inspiring return.

It was a beautiful moment in my life, but from a professional point of view it was scary.

I didn't know what would happen. It seemed like my career would end at that moment.

She had recently taken part in domestic T20 matches and was eight weeks pregnant.

She was upset, according to the former Glamorgan and Warwickshire batter, who also played for Bermuda at the Men's World Cup.

She might have felt like she had unfinished business as a player.

The PCB had plans to implement a parental policy. The board pays for the provision to travel with an extra person to help with child care, as well as the ongoing salary payment for one year.

When she announced she was taking a break from cricket, she was not sure if she would be back in time for the World Cup.

I said the World Cup should be the goal, but she was anxious.

She wanted to know if she was good enough to keep her place, score runs and contribute. I had no questions on that. I knew she had the game to come back.

More than 30,000 people reacted to the announcement of the birth of Fatima.

She was already in the gym three or four times a week by the time she saw Hemp.

I asked her when she would start hitting balls, but she said she wouldn't do that until she felt better.

She started batting in December, but I don't think she was convinced about the World Cup.

The World Cup began to become a realistic proposition when Bismah took part in some practice matches and left the field to feed Fatima.

When it came to leaving for New Zealand in February, Bismah did it with her mother. The World Cup means the best part of two months away, but the husband could not take that much time off work.

The growing opportunity for women to combine their playing careers with family life is emphasized by the fact that she is one of eight mothers at the tournament. Lizelle Lee gave birth to a baby boy two weeks before the World Cup began.

Fatima's World Cup experience has involved being present at every match, taking part in team events like playing mini golf or occasionally being cared for by other members of the squad.

The players take Fatima for walks to give her time off. It is like passing the parcel at times.

The baby in the dressing room could be a distraction. It has not. It has brought a calmness and normality, reducing any tension.

Fatima has helped Pakistan deal with close defeats by South Africa and Bangladesh.

When a baby smiles, it can take away the frustration and disappointment.

There are benefits to having Fatima around the team, but she faces a challenge that all new parents can relate to - sleep.

She has had sleep trouble, but there are no complaints. You will ask how she slept and she will not say anything.

Pakistan won the World Cup for the first time in 13 years, and they will try to stop England in New Zealand on Thursday.

Dunkley will be looking to stay on course for a place in the semi-finals, but she is also excited about meeting Fatima.

Dunkley said she would love to have a hug with Fatima. It is easy without being pregnant.

Dunkley is not the only one who wants to meet Fatima.

Within 15 or 20 minutes of a game ending, the opposition players are in the changing room asking where the baby is.

Everyone wants a picture with baby Fatima.

Fatima is enjoying her newfound fame.

She will be excited to see her mum at the World Cup when she looks back at the pictures.

She is a star.