Proteas impress in New Zealand: 'This was our best campaign at a World Cup yet'

Proteas skipper Sune Luus is extremely proud of her side following their Women's World Cup semi-final defeat to England in Christchurch on Thursday.

South Africa failed to chase down 294 as they fell 137 runs short against the defending champions and were denied a historic World Cup final.

It wasn't meant to be for Luus' charges but no one can deny the talent and standout performances during these eight action-packed games.

Several stars put up their hand and starred on the biggest stage with opener Laura Wolvaardt currently topping the run-scorers list with 433 runs at an average of 54.12 - notching up five half-centuries.

Luus is the next best batter for the Proteas, piling on 270 runs and while her efforts weren't needed much with the ball, the skipper scored three half-centuries to lead from the front.

The fearsome Proteas fast bowling attack is top of the highest wicket-taker standings with Shabnim Ismail (14), Marizanne Kapp (12) and Ayabonga Khaka (12).

Luus says they are taking a lot of positives out of this World Cup.

"I think it's been a brilliant World Cup for South Africa. I think we've had a lot of stand up performances, I think we've broken a lot of hearts in this tournament by winning crucial games that people might have thought was supposed to go the other way," Luus told reporters on Thursday.

"So I think for us, it's just getting over that line in crucial moments. I think that was amazing for our team to have that mental strength and just get us across the line every time.

"Laura Wolvaardt is currently the number one batter in the world. We've got our three seamers in the top 10. So I think there are a lot of positives we can take out of this World Cup and I think, you know, we can be extremely proud of the