The destructive batter, Lizelle Lee, is set to make her eagerly anticipated return on Friday against Pakistan.

Lee has not played from the Proteas in quite some time due to Covid-19 and because she joined the team in New Zealand late because of family commitments.

Lee exited the MIQ yesterday and should have an automatic selection.

Coach Hilton Moreeng said they will make a call about the world number seven in the week.

“She has been training while she spent some time at home with the family.

“We will assess her during the week and see how she goes and if she is ready.

“Knowing the player that she is, she is a very competitive cricketer and will want to jump straight into it.

“Once she has passed her medical and fitness assessments and sharpness tests, and does what she needs to do, she will be considered for the next game.”

On Saturday, the Proteas got their campaign underway with a near-perfect start by beating Bangladesh by 32 runs in Dunedin.

Friday’s match between South Africa and Pakistan in Mount Maunganui gets underway at 3:00.

Morgan Piek/OFM Sport