South Africa's run ended at The Oval on Thursday after England secured a strong 40-run victory, earning a place in Sunday\u2019s final against Australia.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Proteas started well by eliminating three England batters early on. However, a crucial century partnership between Nat Sciver-Brunt and Heather Knight shifted the game in England\u2019s favor.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Despite the loss, Mashimbyi remained positive about his team's growth and the lessons they learned during the tournament.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"You just lose and you learn,\" Mashimbyi said after the semi-final. \"We've learned a lot in this World Cup. We'll go back to the drawing board and put in place things that will make us even more dangerous and better as a team.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"We know where our gaps are, and that\u2019s all we can do really. We can't change the results. It\u2019s about the work we put in going forward. We want to ensure that when we get another chance to play in a World Cup or ICC Trophy tournament, we are competing with other teams.\"<\/p>\r\n\r\n
South Africa had a strong tournament, even though they did not reach the final. Opener Tazmin Brits was the team's top run-scorer with 225 runs. Experienced bowlers Marizanne Kapp and Shabnim Ismail each took eight wickets in six matches.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Mashimbyi also supported veteran bowler Ismail, who came out of retirement for the tournament, to continue representing South Africa.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"I think she's still in for the long haul,\" he said. \"She'll have to make a decision. But right now, she's still a Proteas player.\"<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The South Africa coach dismissed claims that his side relied too much on Kapp and Ismail with the new ball. He admitted, however, that the bowling attack lacked variety and needed better support for frontline spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"I think we had too many similar types of bowlers, and teams could figure out what we were trying to do,\" Mashimbyi said. \"Shabnim and Kapp can put any team under pressure with a new ball, and that\u2019s what we\u2019ve been doing.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The South Africa coach dismissed claims that his side relied too much on Kapp and Ismail with the new ball. He admitted, however, that the bowling attack lacked variety and needed better support for frontline spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
While South Africa's World Cup journey ended just short of the final, Mashimbyi believes the campaign has laid out a clear plan for the Proteas to become an even stronger presence in future ICC tournaments.<\/p>\r\n\r\n