Proteas hero Brits in dreamland after semi-final heroics: 'I'm still going to need to wake up'

Proteas batter Tazmin Brits was emotional as she never imagined producing a match-winning performance to steer South Africa to their first-ever ICC Women's World Cup final.

Brits had a magical day with the bat and in the field as South Africa booked their place in Sunday's historic Women's T20 World Cup final against Australia.

The hosts were underdogs heading into the semi-final but produced a brilliant six-run triumph over England in front of a roaring Newlands crowd.

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Brits smashed 68 off 55 balls (hitting six fours and two sixes) before taking four catches.

"I don't know. I still can't believe it, to be honest with you, [it] feels like I'm still going to need to wake up in a sense," Brits told reporters on Friday.

"I try not to get too emotional, but yeah, today was very, very special for me."

Brits' life story is filled with sporting highs and lows as she was once crowned world junior javelin champion at the IAAF Athletics Championships in Ostrava at 16.

She was set for the 2012 Olympic Games in London after throwing the qualifying distance before a horrific car accident dashed her dreams.

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However, Brits found solace in cricket and years later, the now 32-year-old will represent her country in a World Cup final against the defending champions.

The Proteas women have gone where no man has gone before, as they became the first senior SA team to reach an ICC World Cup final.

Brits admitted that there was always belief in the side as they dispelled the underdog tag with a semi-final upset.

"I think we've always believed