For young cricketers, the ultimate goal is to hit the mark and make a name for themselves on the international stage. However, the path to success in such a highly competitive environment demands considerable effort, dedication, and steadfast commitment. Recently, South Africa’s Miané Smit has emerged as a rising star, eager to make a significant impact while cherishing the journey as much as the final destination.
The 20-year-old’s recent involvement in the national camp in Tshwane highlights her growing role in the senior setup, even though she is yet to make her debut at the international level. “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 shared regarding her experience of sharing the dressing room with seasoned players.
She served as a traveling reserve for the Proteas Women team that reached the final of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 in the United Arab Emirates, having previously represented South Africa at the U19 and SA Emerging levels.
“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 fervor for cricket ignited within the confines of her home, playing alongside her father and brothers, Pieter and Malan Smit. Initially, their cricket sessions took place in the backyard on Sundays and during the week. Her father devised a plan that allowed her to secretly join the boys at primary school, unbeknownst to her mother at first. Since then, her passion for the sport has only intensified, and she continues to savor every moment.
She has worked on her tactical abilities by reviewing training sessions and her performance with more experienced players, despite inclement weather disrupting the camp at the CSA Centre of Excellence.
“A lot of game planning occurred because of the rain. We couldn’t physically practice our skills or be on the field. So, it’s a bit more about tactical awareness and even some technical aspects with players regarding bowling and batting,” she explained.
The gifted cricketer looks up to Laura Wolvaardt and was fortunate enough to engage with the South African captain.
“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). Being around them all makes me feel like they’re all my heroes—individuals I admire in various aspects of the game.”
As Smit looks forward to the new year of 2025, she remains determined to leave her mark with both bat and ball, having already played nine matches in the Hollywoodbets Pro Series. She views this year as filled with opportunities and acknowledges that by its conclusion, she may struggle to fully comprehend all that transpires.
While her primary focus is cricket, she also values her academic pursuits deeply and is thankful for the steadfast support of her family and friends. Currently, she aims to score centuries, contribute runs, take wickets, and enjoy every moment of the game.
Outside the cricket pitch, Smit is earnest in her academic commitments, studying for a degree in accounting, inspired by her mother’s profession. With a love for numbers, she delights in calculations. Following her mother’s footsteps as an accountant felt like a natural choice. Although balancing studies and cricket can prove challenging, she remains devoted to her education and is pleased with her progress.
Image Source: Supersport.com
