Smit century seals series whitewash for Proteas Women against Zimbabwe

Miane Smit's maiden T20I century put South Africa 4–0 up against Zimbabwe as the hosts went down by 80 runs in Bulawayo on Thursday, Cricinfo reports.

Smit's 59-ball 102 lifted South Africa to 205 for 4 – their third-highest T20I total and a second consecutive score above 200. Zimbabwe never kept pace with the required rate in reply, finishing on 125 for 5.

Having won the toss and opted to bat, captain Laura Wolvaardt moved herself down the order, with Anneke Bosch – recalled to the XI – opening alongside Smit.

The pair took time to get going, and South Africa managed only 42 in the powerplay. From 15 off 18 balls at that stage, Smit accelerated to a 37-ball half-century as part of a 74-run opening stand, before off-spinning all-rounder Nyasha Gwanzura had Bosch caught.

Annerie Dercksen then added momentum with a 16-ball 33, and a 62-run second-wicket stand off just 34 balls gave Smit room to free her arms further. She reached her century in 58 balls, driving Michelle Mavunga for consecutive boundaries before completing the milestone with a single. She was run out shortly after, Zimbabwe vice-captain Nomvelo Sibanda finding the stumps directly from long-on.

Zimbabwe nearly lost an early wicket when Ayanda Hlubi bowled Lorraine Pemhiwa in the first over, though it was called back for overstepping. It made little difference, as Zimbabwe still lost two wickets inside the powerplay.

Josephine Nkomo – back from injury and playing her first match as full-time captain – put on 36 off 38 with Beloved Biza for the fourth wicket to steady the innings, while Mavunga again provided a late flourish, striking 25 off 13 balls for the second match running.

Zimbabwe never threatened the target, with seamer Caitlin Wyngaard taking two wickets, including Mavunga's.