Harmanpreet Kaur does a MS Dhoni on debut

India’s T20I captain Harmanpreet Kaur sizzled on her Kia Super League debut as she held her nerve to secure a last over finish for her side, the Lancashire Thunder.

Thunder needed 11 runs to win in the final over and the spotlight was on Harmanpreet who did not blink, but stepped down the track to Laura Marsh and spanked the ball from outside off to deposit it clear over deep mid-wicket. Clenched fists and embrace followed as Harman announced her arrival in England.

WHAT A WAY TO WIN!

Indian star @ImHarmanpreet smashes a huge six to win it on her @LancsCricketWMN debut 🔥 pic.twitter.com/dC4ciEZrw7

— England and Wales Cricket Board (@ECB_cricket) July 31, 2018

She did apply the finishing touch with 34 not out from 21 balls, but the stage was set by Australian left-hander Nicole Bolton who was sensational for her 87, but then her dismissal in the 19th over put the match right back in the balance.

It was day of personal brilliance for Surrey Star’s captain Nat Sciver who was brilliant both with the bat and then with the ball.

She not only resurrected a slide, but then opened up as she plundered an unbeaten 95 from 57 balls with two sixes and nine fours. After helping Surrey reach 148 for 5 she then starred with the ball as she chipped in with two wickets for 26 runs.

Despite all her heroics with the bat, the total was just about par on the flat surface which was devoid of any assistance.

Nicole Bolton and Eve Jones sprinted off the blocks and gave Thunder a solid start as they scored 62 in the first 10 overs. However, this start could have been squandered, more so when Amy Satterthwaite was dismissed off leg spinner van Niekerk, Lancashire needed 79 off 8.3 overs.

Further when Bolton was dismissed in the 19th over, the target became tricky but then Harmanpreet stepped up and her power saw the Thunder through.

First Published: Aug 01, 2018 14:14 IST