Even Lee’s master ton is not enough

over the ‘keeper’s head, which gave Van Niekerk plenty to think about in the field.

SA’s run chase was always going to require Lee to create the momentum upfront. The burly opener tried her level best, regularly smashing the England bowlers over midwicket for six.

Along with Laura Wolvaardt, the Proteas opening pair put on 142 for the first wicket to create the perfect platform for the middle-order to launch an assault later on. The only criticism was that Wolvaardt was perhaps guilty of not rotating the strike often enough, with her 32 coming off 62 balls.

Considering SA had to score at an asking rate of 6.64 from the outset, the talented teenager certainly needs to find a way to expand her range of strokes, especially after the powerplay fielding restrictions have been lifted.

SA’s chase faltered after Lee’s dismissal, with only Chloe Tryon’s cameo of 44 and Marizanne Kapp’s 29 not out providing some form of hope towards the backend. Ultimately it was not enough though with Sami Ecclestone claiming 3/54 to ensure the series is all set for the decider on Friday in Canterbury.