By Admin 
By the time Harmanpreet Kaur plucked Nadine de Klerk’s lofted shot 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 embraced each other and players cried, but it wasn’t as raw and bare as before.
This was the Proteas’ third rodeo in as many worlds, with the side left shaking hands sportingly after their world championship ambitions crumbled.
“India just wanted it more. To win a World Cup at home is very special,” South African head coach Mandla Mashimbyi said after the loss at the D.Y. Patil Stadium here on Sunday.
“It was a special campaign for South Africa. We played some good cricket and showed character. I am really proud of these girls. A lot of good things are going to happen for this team.”
The 44-year-old, appointed a year ago, said that the defeat, while heartbreaking, is not the end of the world for South Africa.
“To see how the team has progressed is obviously humbling. When nobody gave us a chance, we gave ourselves one. Sometimes, things have to go wrong to go right. You need to get a perspective on everything,” he added.