India, Nov. 3 -- The unspoken and unfortunate truth about a final in which two teams are competing for their first shot at victory is that one team must go on living with the disappointment and the heartbreak of not getting over the line. For the valiant South Africans after the Women's World Cup final in Navi Mumbai, a loss in the finals at a third successive ICC event leaves the country hurting more than ever.

After two consecutive T20 World Cup finals lost at the final hurdle, Laura Wolvaardt's team pushed India close for much of their chase at the DY Patil Stadium, led by a fine century from the in-form captain herself. However, regular wickets meant India ultimately clinched the game. As great as the win and as joyous as India's cel...