18|09|2026

by Zen Senti

Miane Smit became the third centurion in the series when she scored her maiden T20 century to help South Africa beat Zimbabwe by 80 runs and take a 4-1 lead in the series.

 

The Proteas batted first, with Anneke Bosch returning to the top of the order alongside Smit. The pair produced South Africa’s best opening partnership of the series, putting on 74 runs before Nyasha Gwanzura dismissed Bosch for 33 off 24 balls.

 

Annerie Dercksen matched Bosch’s score, hitting 33 off just 16 balls at number three to leave the Proteas on 136/2. Kayla Reyneke was then bowled by Francisca Chipare for 18 off 12 balls.

 

At the other end, Smit continued to dominate and reached her maiden T20 century. Unfortunately, she was run out soon after reaching the landmark while batting alongside Nondumiso Shangase in the 19th over.

 

Smit finished with an outstanding 102 off 59 balls, including 15 fours and one six, at a strike rate of 172.

 

Shangase, who made 10, and Proteas captain Laura Wolvaardt, who scored 7, remained unbeaten to take South Africa to 205/4 from their 20 overs.

 

Zimbabwe never threatened the daunting target of 206. The hosts could only manage 125/5 in their 20 overs.

 

Eliz-Mari Marx claimed the first wicket in the opening over, dismissing the dangerous Gwanzura for 5, while Caitlin Wyngaard removed the other opener, Lorraine Pimhiwa, for 8.

 

Zimbabwe’s middle order showed some resistance, with Kelis Ndhlovu scoring 16, Beloved Biza making 32, Josephine Nkomo contributing 26 and Michelle Mavunga adding 25. Biza produced her best performance of the match with the bat, while Mavunga once again struck the ball cleanly, scoring at a strike rate of 192.

 

However, the South African bowlers remained in control, with Luyanda Nzuza and Wyngaard taking the remaining wickets. Dercksen went wicketless in her three overs but was highly economical, conceding just 11 runs.

 

Shangase, Smit and Wyngaard also kept their economy rates below six runs an over as South Africa comfortably secured an 80-run victory.

 

The Proteas have now won the fourth T20 match with one game remaining in the series.