An aggressive opening batter, Lizelle Lee has garnered a reputation for her big-hitting prowess in the international circuit. Making her international debut at a rather late age of 21, she has quickly cemented herself as one of the vital cogs in the Protean Women lineup.
Representing North West province in the domestic circuit, her initial claim to fame was a stunning innings of 169 not out off a mere 84 balls. Despite starting off as an opener, she was pushed down the order in the national ranks, before making her way back up and cementing it. In the 2014 World T20, she notched up a then-record unbeaten opening stand of 163 with Dane van Niekerk against Pakistan.
Doubling up as a wicket-keeper, she has provided the lineup with a useful balance in the absence of the longstanding Trisha Chetty. In South Africa's recent success, including their move up to the semi-finals of the ICC Women's World Cup in 2017, Lee's role at the top has been very crucial. The fact that she is now a globetrotter, plying her trade across the T20 leagues is evidence to her skill.
Vineet Anantharaman
