Proteas hero Du Preez's emotional World Cup rollercoaster: 'I thought I'd let the team down'

Proteas star batter Mignon du Preez says she experienced a "rollercoaster" of emotions in her side's thrilling final-ball victory over India in Christchurch on Sunday.

Du Preez's 52* (63) saw South Africa home by three wickets as she dispatched the game's final ball to the midwicket fence to see her side chase down 275 for the victory.

FINAL LOG | Women's World Cup

That is the second-highest successful run chase in Women's World Cup history, and while the Proteas had already booked their spot in the semi-finals of the competition before Sunday's game, this is a timely showing of their ability to come out on top in the most high-pressure situations.

However, they did not have it all their own way, and there were moments of panic.

Du Preez will know that better than anyone.

In the 45th over, when South Africa looked to be in control of the situation, the former national captain dropped one onto the on-side and set for a quick single. There was never a run on, and the dangerous Kapp was run out for 32 (30) in a moment that threatened to derail the chase.

Du Preez, though, used all of her years of experience and stayed composed, combining with Chloe Tryon (17 off 9) for a mini-partnership that was hugely important in the context of the game.

Even after Tryon was dismissed, South Africa looked home and dry, and with three runs to win off two balls, Du Preez was on strike with Shabnim Ismail at the other end.

The drama then reached new heights.

Spinner Deepti Sharma floated one up, and Du Preez took the shot on, only to find the fielder on the long-on fence to be caught. It was a moment of madness and, needing three runs to win off one ball, the Proteas and Du Preez looked to have thrown it away.

As the 32-year-old walked off the