Lee, who is the leading runscorer in the ongoing ODI series, has made 288 runs in four innings at an average of 144, including a century and two fifties. She, along with her partner Laura Wolvaardt, have provided the necessary good starts for the tourists. Her performance has been instrumental in them sealing the series.
In the latest ICC rankings that were updated on Monday (March 15), Lee went past Beaumont to the top of the ICC rankings. Earlier, the English batter had replaced Australia skipper Meg Lanning after the ODI series against New Zealand.
The South African went seven places up to the first rank while her partner went down a couple of spots to eighth. It is the second time Lee has risen to the top of the ladder. Smriti Mandhana and Mithali Raj continue their rankings at seven and nine, respectively.
Lee's teammate Lara Goodall moved 27 places up and is currently placed in the 48th rank. Among bowlers, Indian spinner Rajeshwari Gayakwad and her South African counterpart Nondumiso Shangase moved to 18th and 68th positions, respectively.
South Africa have already sealed the five-match ODI series 3-1 with the final ODI scheduled to happen on Wednesday (March 16).