Lizelle Lee credited Trent Rockets’ coaching staff with helping her to lay the foundations for a match-sealing unbeaten 44 against Manchester Originals at Trent Bridge.

The opener hit her runs from 27 deliveries as the hosts overcame the Originals’ target of 107 with 36 deliveries to spare.

It was Lee’s highest score of the competition so far – and ended a frustrating run at the top of the order.

“It’s been a long time coming, and that’s the frustrating thing,” she said.

“I know what I’m capable of, so not being able to deliver when the team need it has been very frustrating.

“The management have been telling me I should keep on believing, and it paid off today.

“I think sometimes I can start aggressively and then go a bit in my shell, so we spoke about it and I tried to do something different in the nets today, and it paid off.”

Lee received support from Bryony Smith (28) and Nat Sciver-Brunt (33*), and was quick to credit the pair for their performances throughout the competition.

“Bryony has been exceptional,” she said.

“The way she’s been hitting the ball is amazing, and I’ve just been standing at the other end thinking ‘oh man, I wish I could do that’.

“It’s been amazing batting with her – and with Nat Sciver-Brunt as well, who’s been exceptional for us. Everyone’s been contributing for us, and we showed our strength today.”

The Rockets fielded a spin-heavy bowling attack as they restricted their opponents to 107/5 from 100 balls, with Smith and Kirstie Gordon taking a wicket apiece.

But Lee’s experience of batting on today’s pitch was sufficient to convince her that there we no undue demons in the wicket.

“It was a really good wicket,” she said.

“I think the groundstaff did extremely well to prepare a wicket like that. I just think our bowlers bowled really well, and the batters followed it up.

“The spinners have been doing well in the games we’ve played, so credit to all of them.

“There’s still a chance for us to qualify. It’s very small, but a chance is a chance, so I’m hoping a few games go our way.

“But we still need to win two games, so we just have to concentrate on that and take it from there.”

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