In a thrilling encounter during the ongoing Women’s Big Bash League 2024 (WBBL), veteran South African cricketer Lizelle Lee showcased her exceptional skills behind the stumps, executing a remarkable stumping that turned the tide of the match. This pivotal moment came as Sydney Thunder‘s Phoebe Litchfield was making a significant impact with her bat, scoring a brisk 51 runs off just 37 balls. Lee’s quick reflexes not only dismissed Litchfield but also marked a crucial turning point for the Hobart Hurricanes in their clash against the Thunder.
Lizelle Lee’s moment of brilliance to turn the tide
The incident unfolded during the 14th over of Sydney Thunder’s innings, where Litchfield was single-handedly propelling her team towards a potential victory. Having already crossed the 50-run milestone, her wicket became paramount for the Hurricanes, who were in dire need of a breakthrough. Australian bowler Heather Graham stepped up to deliver the much-needed dismissal, setting the stage for Lee’s heroics.
As Graham bowled the first delivery of her over—a wide ball outside the off stump—Litchfield charged down the pitch, attempting to capitalize on what she perceived as an opportunity. However, she completely missed the ball, allowing Lee to spring into action. With lightning speed, Lee collected the ball and dislodged the bails in a flash, executing a stumping. This dismissal not only sent Litchfield packing but also galvanized the Hurricanes’ bowling attack at a critical juncture in the match.
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Here’s the video
That is an outrageous stumping from Lizelle Lee! #PlayOfTheDay #WBBL10 @hcltech pic.twitter.com/bee01fGDGR
— Weber Women’s Big Bash League (@WBBL) October 28, 2024
Sydney Thunder’s struggles with the stick
Despite Litchfield’s valiant effort, her dismissal marked the beginning of Sydney Thunder’s collapse. The rest of the batting lineup struggled to find their footing against a disciplined Hurricanes bowling unit. Notably, Chamari Athapaththu, one of Thunder’s key players, faced disappointment as she was dismissed for a golden duck. Chasing a target of 142 runs, Thunder ultimately fell short, bowled out for just 110 runs and losing by 31 runs.
The aftermath of Thunder’s loss to Hobart Hurricanes
This match not only highlighted Lee’s prowess behind the stumps but also underscored the challenges faced by Sydney Thunder in this season’s WBBL. The Hurricanes’ victory was a testament to their improved performance compared to previous seasons, where they had struggled to find consistency. With this win, they demonstrated their potential to be serious contenders in this year’s tournament.
For Sydney Thunder, addressing their batting woes will be crucial if they hope to bounce back and compete effectively in upcoming matches. The WBBL continues to promise exciting cricket as teams vie for supremacy and players aim to leave their mark on this prestigious tournament.
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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.