Proteas star Lizelle Lee named ICC ODI cricketer of the year

Proteas women’s opening batter Lizelle Lee has been named the ICC Women’s One-Day International (ODI) Cricketer of the Year in the 2021 ICC Awards.

The right-hander smashed 632 runs in the 50-over format during 2021, averaging an impressive 90.28 in 11 games, with five half-centuries and an unbeaten ton as she helped South Africa to second in the ICC Women’s ODI Rankings.

Lee’s undefeated 132 off 131 balls (16 fours, 2 sixes) against India in Lucknow in March last year was undoubtedly the highlight of the year for the 29-year-old, with the knock propelling the Proteas to a six-run victory to take a 2-1 series lead before the team wrapped up the historic series win in the next game.

Her magnificent year has also seen her remain as the number one ranked batter in Women’s ODI cricket, leading Australia’s Alyssa Healy, and Mithali Raj from India ahead of the 2022 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup hosted in New Zealand between 04 March – 03 April.