Former South African opener Lizelle Lee has captured global attention, becoming the first cricketer to hit consecutive WBBL centuries while also marking a major personal milestone as a new Australian permanent resident.
Lee’s recent achievements include the highest score in WBBL history—a remarkable 150 not out at the SCG—followed by a powerful 103 against the Strikers, both of which have propelled the Hobart Hurricanes to the top of the table.
According to cricket.com.au, it was a week of double triumph for Lee and her wife, Tanja, who received Australian permanent residency after moving to Tasmania, their chosen home since Lee’s international retirement in 2022. This residency will enable Lee, currently on a two-year contract with the Hurricanes, to play as a local WBBL player from next season.
Right now, however, her main focus is on helping the Hurricanes reach the finals for only the second time since 2016-17, with hopes of securing their first title. “I’m just happy to have contributed to another win,” Lee said on Wednesday.
“I’ve stuck to my basics, and the team and staff have been so supportive, allowing me to play my own game—something that’s really fuelled my success recently.”
Former South African Opener, Lizelle Lee
Lee showed early promise in the T20 Spring Challenge, amassing 252 runs at a strike rate of 139.22 across six innings. Despite a slow start to WBBL|10, with scores of 7, 18, 38, 4, and 4 in her first five matches, she turned her fortunes around in spectacular fashion against the Scorchers, smashing an unbeaten 150 from 75 balls, an innings featuring 12 sixes.
Reflecting on her struggles prior to that match, she thanked her coach Jude Coleman and captain Elyse Villani for their unwavering support. “I feel like the team culture we’ve been building over these past few years is so strong, and you can see the results on the field,” she shared.
With the departure of her former opening partner, Danni Wyatt-Hodge, for England’s tour of South Africa, Lee will now team up with seasoned New Zealand opener Suzie Bates as the Hurricanes continue their journey.
Photo Caption: Former South African opener Lizelle Lee has captured global attention, becoming the first cricketer to hit consecutive WBBL centuries while also marking a major personal milestone as a new Australian permanent resident. Photo: Hobart Hurricanes on X
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