Mandla Mashimbyi on Proteas Women T20 World Cup exit

South Africa enjoyed an impressive campaign, winning four of their six matches. Their only defeats came against Australia by 65 runs in the group stage and England in the semi-final.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Mashimbyi admitted that England not only outplayed his side but also displayed the character and composure required to book their place in the final.

"You can't make it into a semi-final or final without skill, that is a given, but it's just the mental side of it that means everything to me. I think England wanted it a little bit more today."

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South Africa won the toss and elected to field before being set a target of 170. The Proteas’ batting line-up struggled under pressure and finished on 129/8. 

The 45-year-old coach backed every member of his squad and said he has no regrets about rotating the batting order throughout the tournament.

"We believe in every player that we have in the batting lineup, and I just don't think we batted well enough it's as easy as that."

The Proteas Women reached the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup final in 2023 on home soil before returning to the title decider in 2024 against New Zealand. 

Despite missing a spot in the final this year, Mashimbyi congratulated both England and Australia for earning their places in Sunday’s final at Lord’s, saying they had shown the character needed to compete for the trophy.