Youngsters in cricket have one aim – to hit the bull’s eye and make it count in international cricket. But the journey to excel at the highest competitive stage requires hard work, dedication and unwavering commitment. In recent times, South Africa’s Miané Smit has grabbed the spotlight and is raring to go big and play for the national side- while equally enjoying the journey more than the destination.
The 20-year-old’s recent participation in the national camp in Tshwane underscores her increasing presence in the senior system, despite the fact that she is yet to make her international debut. “It’s always nice and always an honour and a privilege to be among the country’s best, learning, playing, and just growing as a player,” she said on sharing the dressing room with senior players.
She was a traveling reserve for the Proteas Women team that advanced to the final of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 in the United Arab Emirates after having previously played for the South Africa U19s and SA Emerging.
“It’s so unbelievable just to think back and playing in a final or being part of a final with the team and on a bigger stage. It is incredible. I still get goosebumps when I think of all the players I met, and, I mean, you walk into the elevator, and Alyssa Healy is standing next to you, and you’re like, ‘Yeah’.”
Smit’s passion and love affair with the game began within the four walls of her home, playing with her father and brothers Pieter and Malan Smit. It all began in the backyard, playing cricket on Sundays and during the week. Her father then came up with a plan, and she secretly joined the boys in primary school without her mother knowing at first. Her passion and love for the game have only grown since then, and she continues to enjoy every moment of it.
Smit continued to hone her tactical skills by analyzing indoor training and her game with older players, even if the bad weather disrupted the camp at the CSA Centre of Excellence.
“A lot of game plan more because of the rain. We can’t get out physically playing our skill or just being in the middle. So, it’s a bit more tactical awareness and even a bit technical with some players with bowling and the batting” she added.
The talented cricketer idolises Laura Wolvaardt – and also had the opportunity to interact with the South African skipper.
“We’ve had a few conversations. Derkie (Annerie Dercksen) usually jokes about it when I’m with Wolfie (Wolvaardt), and I’m a bit shy still. But I learn a lot from her, and we’ve definitely spent some time chatting about the game, and I enjoy it a lot.”
“But I think all of them, especially the match winners—people like Kappie (Marizanne Kapp) and Chloé (Tryon). Now, just being around them all, I feel like all of them are my heroes—people I look up to in different aspects of the game.”
Looking up to a fresh calendar year of 2025, Smit, who has played nine matches in the Hollywoodbets Pro Series, is determined to make a significant impact with both the bat and ball. She reckons the year as one full of numerous possibilities and admits that by the time it ends, she may not even be able to fully grasp everything that unfolds.
While cricket remains her supreme priority, she also places great importance on her academics and is grateful for the unwavering support of her friends and family. Her main focus at the moment is to score centuries, contribute with runs, scalp wickets and simply relish the game.
Beyond the cricket field, Smit is also committed towards her studies – pursuing a degree in accounting, inspired by her mother’s profession. She has always had a passion for numbers and enjoys working with calculations. With her mother being an accountant, Smit decided to follow the same path. Though balancing studies with cricket can be challenging, she remains committed to her education and is pleased with her progress so far.
(Quotes sourced from SuperSport)
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