Kaur's late arrival goes down a storm at Thunder

The India women’s T20 captain missed the first three matches of this season’s Kia Super League due to visa problems

^{Lancashire Thunder's overseas star Harmanpreet Kaur}

Harmanpreet Kaur’s arrival at Lancashire following a short delay has proved popular both on and off the field, according to Thunder team-mate Nicole Bolton.

The India women’s T20 captain missed the first three matches of this season’s Kia Super League due to visa problems.

However, she was quickly into her stride on Tuesday by steering the Thunder home in a chase of 149 against Surrey Stars at the Oval to secure a third win from four matches.

With an over to go Lancashire needed 11 before the target became eight off three balls, with Kaur on strike facing offspinner Laura Marsh.

And she subsequently lofted her down the ground to long-on for four and smashed her high over deep midwicket for six, sealing the win with a ball to spare and finishing unbeaten on 34.

“I’ve been waiting for my roomie for the last two weeks, and she’s finally decided to rock up!” smiled Australian Bolton, whose superb 87 off 61 balls at the top of the order secured her the player of the match award.

“She was casual as you like, really calculated, and I’m just glad she’s on my team.

“She can be a nightmare to bowl at. She sweats on length, and the margin for error as a bowler is really narrow. I didn't envy Marsh bowling that last over.

KIA SUPER LEAGUE FIXTURES

“She lengthens our batting line-up, and it allows us to play with a bit more freedom at the top knowing we’ve got someone like Harman coming in. She’s great at assessing the situation and where her strengths are.

“Her inclusion into the group is only going to make us stronger. I think we’re building something special.”

Prior to the competition starting, left-handed Bolton had revealed how she was living with Kaur in Wilmslow for the duration of the KSL and how the Indian’s late arrival had allowed her to pinch the best bedroom.

It could be said that Kaur went and pinched the limelight at the Oval to secure a third successive win. Not that Bolton will be bothered one bit. She is just desperate for silverware.

“When I came to Lancashire, they’d only won one game in two years. But now we’re three on the trot and the momentum’s building,” she said before reflecting on her own performance.

“For us to chase down that total, it’s a tremendous effort. We’ve won a few on the trot now, and we just need to keep going with it. I’ve gone from a first-ball duck on KSL debut to this. 

“I was getting a little bit twitchy because I hadn't contributed to the team. But I’ve been really enjoying myself and knew if I hung in, a score was just around the corner.

“We’ve got such a good group of girls, key England players as well as Harman and Amy Satterthwaite.

“But our local girls have been the core over the last two years. To see them come on and perform is massive. Ellie (Threlkeld) running herself out in the last over to get Harman on strike was massive.”

Lancashire sit third in the table - the top three qualify for Finals Day at the end of the month - after three wins from four.

Report courtesy of the ECB Reporters Network