Winning a trophy is not the only thing that defines success in sport. As hard as it is to accept, sometimes coming up short can still mark genuine progress. The Proteas Women proved as much in the World Cup final against India. They may not have lifted the trophy, but after three consecutive appearances in ICC finals, they have shown a level of consistency, fight, and belief that deserves real credit.
When Winning Is Everything and When It Isn’t
The reality is that the pressure to win silverware in international cricket can often overlook signs of progress when the final result isn’t what people wanted. That’s not to say effort alone earns recognition in elite sport. Indeed, there are times when only a win will do, and there’s no better example of that than the upcoming Ashes tour down under.
Ominously for England, the latest Ashes betting odds suggest that the narrative at the end of the five-match Test series could be one of disappointment. Naturally, the first Test in Perth will dictate much of what follows, and if you bet on cricket matches online you’ll see Brendon McCullum’s side at 6/4 to spring an upset. While only time will tell what happens at the Optus Stadium, the wider point is that sometimes it’s do-or-die, and at other times, praise should still be afforded to teams that don’t go all the way. The Proteas Women are that team.
South Africa’s Campaign Was a Step Forward
It’s worth noting that India’s triumph was historic: their first Women’s World Cup win after half a century of trying. It was a monumental effort.
“They’re a very difficult side to beat.”
Nasser Hussain reflects on India’s sensational victory over South Africa in the women’s Cricket World Cup final 💬👏 pic.twitter.com/MRS7cSsc17
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) November 2, 2025
Yet the Proteas can still hold their heads high. Laura Wolvaardt was magnificent again, scoring a century in back-to-back knockout games and finishing the tournament as the leading run-scorer with 571. The 26-year-old’s calmness under pressure reflected the maturity of a side that has learned to compete with the best.
Their bowlers also did their part. Ayabonga Khaka and Nonkululeko Mlaba kept India honest through disciplined spells, while Marizanne Kapp’s relentless intensity again marked her as one of the game’s premier all-rounders. Even in defeat, South Africa’s composure and belief never wavered against a formidable foe; there is undoubtedly something to be said for that. This was no blowout, just a case of being beaten by the better side on the day
Finding Success Beyond the Scoreline
Yes, defeat hurts for those back in the Rainbow Nation, especially given this was their third consecutive appearance in an ICC final. But that statistic should not be treated as a curse; it is evidence of how often this side now stands among the world’s best. They broke barriers simply by reaching the final, turning what were once early exits into proof that South Africa now belongs permanently in world cricket’s top tier. Their 125-run demolition of England in the semi-final was proof of their progress and resolve under the uncompromising glare of the spotlight.
History made by South Africa’s skipper on a valiant #CWC25 run 👏
Laura Wolvaardt’s 571 runs is the most ever in a single edition of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 📚
Watch her century in the Final 📲 https://t.co/bpXh7RuSv8 pic.twitter.com/vulrAQFQ0c
— ICC (@ICC) November 3, 2025
More importantly, they have transformed how the world views South African women’s cricket. For every emerging player watching back home, the message is clear: this team belongs among the elite and you can do it too.
Trophies define eras, but performances define legacies. The Proteas Women may not have taken home the cup but they left a lasting mark on the sport. Their journey showed that sometimes, success lies not in what you win, but in how far you’ve come to compete for it. Make no mistake, they will be back and more equipped to take that final step.
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