GQEBERHA: For the Proteas Women’s team to develop in the build-up to the next ICC World Cup, they were always going to need others to score some big runs at crucial times.
The “others” are, of course, everyone but captain Laura Wolvaardt and her opening partner Tazmin Brits, who have monopolised the Proteas’ run scoring.
It would be an added bonus were it one of the youngsters that are being blooded during this on-going Ireland ODI series.
Miane Smit, the 20-year-old allrounder from Bloemfontein, answered the call in the first ODI at Buffalo Park on Saturday.
Playing in just her sixth ODI, Smit joined the experienced Sune Luus at the crease with the Proteas in a spot of bother at 86/3 in pursuit of 210 for victory.
Behind Smit was a fragile middle-order consisting of former captain Dane van Niekerk, who was playing her first ODI for five years, and underperforming wicket-keeper Sinalo Jafta.
Fortunately for the Proteas they were not needed with Smit (56 not out) and Luus (66 not out) both scoring half-centuries with Ireland unable to separate the pair for the remainder of the innings as the home side romped home by seven wickets.
Smit was particularly pleased with her efforts, particularly as her family, who had driven down from Bloemfontein, was there to witness it in person.
“It was such an opportunity and I loved every second playing again for the Proteas,” said Smit, who missed out on selection for the recent World Cup.
“This morning I told our batting coach (Baakier Abrahams) ‘I just want to go out there and enjoy it’, and it was such a cool game to be a part of.
“It’s my first home game. My parents were here and I know my brothers and grandmother and everyone was supporting, and I’m so grateful.”
A major feature of the unbroken 125-run partnership between Smit and Luus, who is a veteran of 143 ODIs. was the communication between overs.
Smit paid tribute to Luus for guiding her through the difficult periods of her innings.
“She played a massive role. When I came in, my first 15 or 20 balls I was so lame I almost couldn’t move, but we worked for a partnership… and she kept me calm,” Smit said.
“She’s one of my best friends in the team, so it was so nice achieving that hundred partnership with her.”
Smit and the Proteas now move on to Gqeberha for the second ODI against Ireland at St George’s Park on Tuesday.
