Cricket

Lizelle Lee's consecutive centuries have propelled the Hobart Hurricanes to the top of the WBBL ladder, as they defeated the Adelaide Strikers by 28 runs.Lee, who retired from international cricket last year, has become the first player to score hundreds in back-to-back WBBL matches. Her blistering 103 off 59 deliveries, featuring 13 fours and four sixes, laid the foundation for the Hurricanes' imposing total of 191 for 2.The South African opener's knock came just three days after she smashed an unbeaten 150 against the Perth Scorchers, setting a new WBBL record. Lee's dominance has been remarkable, with her 253 runs from 134 balls in the past two matches including 25 fours and 16 sixes.Nicola Carey provided valuable support with an unbeaten 64 off 46 balls, while skipper Elyse Villani contributed 23 not out from 14 deliveries.The Strikers' chase got off to a promising start thanks to Smriti Mandhana's quickfire innings. However, the Indian star's dismissal in the eighth over proved to be a turning point.Young legspinner Amy Smith stifled the Strikers' momentum in the middle overs, finishing with an impressive 1 for 16 from four overs. South African import Laura Wolvaardt remained unbeaten on 63 off 40 balls, but it was not enough to prevent the Hurricanes from securing a comfortable victory.Lee's consecutive centuries have not only propelled the Hurricanes to the top of the standings but have also cemented her status as one of the most destructive batters in the WBBL. Her ability to clear the boundary with ease and her consistency at the crease make her a formidable opponent.The Hurricanes will be hoping that Lee can continue her remarkable form as they aim to secure a berth in the finals. With three matches in hand, they are well-positioned to challenge for the WBBL title.

Lizelle Lee's record-breaking innings propelled the Hobart Hurricanes to a resounding 72-run victory over the Perth Scorchers in the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL).Lee, the South African opener, smashed an astonishing 150 runs off just 75 deliveries, setting a new WBBL record for the highest individual score. Her innings included a blistering 51-ball century and a world record 12 sixes, eclipsing the previous marks set by Grace Harris.Lee's dominance was evident from the outset as she single-handedly contributed 73% of the Hurricanes' total of 203 for 3. Her innings featured a 114-run partnership with Elyse Villani and an unbroken 73-run stand with Heather Graham.The Scorchers' bowlers struggled to contain Lee's onslaught, with Chloe Ainsworth's 2 for 17 being the only bright spot. Ebony Hoskin, who had been the hero for the Scorchers in their previous match, conceded 53 runs from four overs without taking a wicket.The Scorchers' chase got off to a disastrous start as they lost Sophie Devine for a golden duck and Chloe Piparo run out in the opening over. Despite a valiant effort from Ainsworth (41), the Scorchers were bowled out for 131, falling well short of the target.Lee's record-breaking performance not only secured a crucial victory for the Hurricanes but also highlighted her status as one of the most destructive batters in the world. Her innings will undoubtedly go down as one of the greatest in WBBL history.

Lizelle Lee, the former South African international, has extended her stay with the Hobart Hurricanes for two more seasons, bolstering the team's batting lineup ahead of the upcoming WBBL draft. Lee, who retired from international cricket in 2022-23, has made Tasmania her permanent home and played a pivotal role in the Hurricanes' success last season.As the team's leading run-scorer with 409 runs at an impressive average of 37.18 and a strike rate of 146.07, Lee's contributions were instrumental in the Hurricanes' progress. Her unbeaten century against the Melbourne Renegades showcased her exceptional batting prowess.Lee expressed her enthusiasm for continuing her journey with the Hurricanes, stating, "I feel like the team made some strong progress last season, and I am looking forward to playing my role and natural game as we look to bring Tasmania and the Hurricanes their first WBBL trophy."Cricket Tasmania's general manager, Salliann Beams, hailed Lee's re-signing as a significant boost to the team. "With her and Junior at the top of our order, I think we have arguably the most experienced and talented opening pairing in the WBBL," she said. "She provided us with great versatility with our overseas pre-signing, and considering we had the number one pick in the WBBL draft, it made sense for us to pre-sign someone who we know can play a role for us."Beams further praised Lee's all-around abilities, highlighting her impact both with the bat and in the field. "She can change the game with the bat and in the field, having done so time and time again in international cricket for South Africa and in the WBBL," she added.Hurricanes' head coach Jude Coleman has indicated that the team will seek to strengthen their top four batting lineup during the draft. They also hold retention rights for South African quick bowler Shabnim Ismail, who claimed 13 wickets last season.With Lee's re-signing and the potential additions through the draft, the Hobart Hurricanes are poised to make a strong push for their maiden WBBL title in the upcoming season.