Leicester (UK), July 8 (CRICKETNMORE): Half-centuries from Lizelle Lee and Dane van Niekerk helped South Africa post a challenging 273/9 in their women's cricket World Cup group match against India here on Saturday.
Lee was the highest scorer for South Africa with a breezy 92 runs off 65 balls. Her knock, which included 10 boundaries and seven sixes, helped stabilise the innings following the early departure of fellow opener Laura Wolvaardt.
Lee subsequently posted a 91-run partnership with Trisha Chetty and a 42-run stand with Mignon du Preez to lay the foundation of a big total.
Lee was unlucky to miss out on what would have been a well-deserved century when she was trapped leg before while attempting to smash a delivery from off-spinner Harmanpreet Kaur over mid-wicket.
Dane then took charge in the middle, scoring 57 runs in 66 balls with seven boundaries and a six. She received good support from Chloe Tyron who scored 24 runs off 18 balls, hitting two sixes and a boundary along the way.
Pacer Shikha Pandey was the most successful among the Indian bowlers with figures of 3/40.
Brief scores: South Africa: 273/9 in 50 overs (Lizelle Lee 92, Dane van Niekerk 57; Shikha Pandey 3/40) vs India.