By the time Harmanpreet Kaur plucked a lofted shot from Nadine de Klerk through extra cover to complete India’s successful Women’s ODI World Cup quest, there was an acceptance of an uncomfortable reality in the South African dugout.
Support staff shook hands with each other, players cried, but it wasn’t as raw and bare as it had been before. This was the Proteas’ third rodeo in as many worlds, with the side left shaking hands sportingly as their world championship ambitions crumbled before their eyes.
“It was evident India just wanted it more. To win a World Cup at home is very special,” South African head coach Mandla Mashimbyi told reporters after the loss at the D.Y. Patil Stadium here on Sunday.
Known for his eccentrically philosophical coaching side, Mashimbyi chose to move forward with the positives from the Proteas’ run to the summit clash.
“It was a special campaign for South Africa. We really played some good cricket. We showed character. We were learning on the job. And we showed that we were able to grow and actually get to the final, like we did now. It obviously wasn’t to be at the end of the day, but I am really proud of these girls. A lot of good things are going to happen for this team.”
Appointed a year ago with the mandate of guiding the side to an ICC trophy, the 44-year-old said his tenure has been filled with learning.
“To see how the team has progressed from the time that I took over is obviously humbling. At the same time, I am actually excited. When nobody gave us a chance, we gave ourselves a chance. I know what to do going forward and make sure that we leave no stone unturned when going to England. We’ll bring the tsunami there.”
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The side’s consistency pushed the national body to establish domestic contracts, tournaments and more. Mashimbyi knows that a habit of making the business end, particularly in the fashion it did this time, will inspire people back home.
“We had 60 million people supporting us. They were really happy for us because we’ve done something that has never been done before. I think people are going to look at cricket differently now.”
South African cricket, across genders and levels, has experienced the joy of making six World finals but also the heartbreak of losing them all.
“I think cricket in South Africa is thriving. Sometimes, things have to go wrong to go right. And I think that was the case. You need to get a perspective on everything. In terms of the talent that’s coming through in South African cricket, in both men and women, it’s actually quite scary. Obviously, SA20 added to that as well. Right now, I can just say that the future of South African cricket looks bright.”
Published on Nov 03, 2025
