Lizelle Lee’s 87 off 71 balls led the Proteas Women’s onslaught of 251-3 in the first of five ODIs against Bangladesh at Cox’s Bazar.
After consecutive series defeats to New Zealand and Australia last year, the Proteas’ started 2017 off with an 86-run win over Bangladesh thanks to Lee’s awesome opening display.
Lee hit six fours and seven sixes to reach her eighth career fifty and with the help from her opening partner, Andrie Steyn, put on 122 for the first wicket before Lee was dismissed by Nahida Akter in the 23rd over, after smashing her for a maximum the previous delivery.
Steyn built another steady partnership with Mignon du Preez, putting on 79 until the opener was stumped by Nigar Sultana on 68 off 123, which included just two fours.
Du Preez (62) saw out the innings getting her 10th career fifty with the help from Marizanne Kapp who hit 20 off 17 balls.
The SA women got the perfect start to defending their total when Ayabonga Khaka got her 25th career wicket in the second over to dismiss Sharmin Akhter for 2.
Only Nigar Sultanas (59*) and Rumana Ahmed (37) put up any resistance as Sune Luus grabbed three for 52 and Dane van Niekerk 2-23, restricting the hosts to 165-6.
PHOTO: Richard Huggard/Gallo Images
