Lizelle Lee

An aggressive right-handed opening batter, Lee has earned the reputation of being a big hitter and has been a vital cog in the South African batting line-up since her debut in 2013.

The Ermelo-born caught the eyes of the selectors in one of the T20 matches of the domestic competition. Playing for Western Province, The dynamic batter showed her brute power by slamming an unbeaten 169 runs off just 84 deliveries. 

Such was her aura that the selectors fast-tracked her and in 2013 she made her T20I debut against Bangladesh. 

At the Women’s World T20 held in Bangladesh, Lee shared the highest-ever undefeated partnership in women’s T20I history- an unbeaten opening stand of 163 alongside Dan van Niekerk.

Lee has represented Surrey Stars in the Kia Super League. In the 2018 final of the tournament, she struck a magnificent 104 of a mere 58 balls to steer her side to victory. 

The following year she joined Melbourne Stars in the WBBL and was their star player with the bat, amassing 364 runs at an average of 36.4 with the highest score of 103 not out against the Perth Scorchers.

The dynamic batter was named in the Proteas squad for the 2020 Women’s T20 World Cup. In a group stage match against Thailand, Lee registered her first century in women’s T20I cricket, with 101 runs. 

Lee has been a global T20 star and has represented domestic teams in South Africa, England and Australia. She has the ability to muscle the ball hard and that is what makes her a special player. 

Her role at the top of the order is crucial. She lays the foundation right at the top and the job becomes easier for the middle order players.

(As of Mar 2021)