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The eagerly awaited semi-final featuring England and the South African team in the Women’s Cricket World Cup has commenced at the Guwahati stadium. England won the toss and chose to field first, hoping to put pressure on the South African batting lineup.

Highlights

• National anthems were sung prior to the start, with the Proteas' uplifting song receiving acclaim.
• Team Lineups were revealed and each team naming competitive elevens.
• England won the toss and chose to bowl. Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt emphasized the need for sticking to their plans.
• Ecclestone is fit to play even with some discomfort.

Live Match Updates

Seventh Over: The Proteas 41-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 24 runs, Brits 13 runs)

Nat Sciver-Brunt brought herself on in place of Lauren Bell. Zero fours were given away, thanks to some agile fielding by Tammy Beaumont on the boundary.

Sixth Over: South Africa 35 without loss (Wolvaardt 22 runs, Tazmin Brits 10)

Wolvaardt, who is in fine form, hit back-to-back boundaries off Linsey Smith. One full-pitched delivery was dispatched through long off, and then another poor delivery through cover point.

5th Over: The Proteas 27 for no wicket (Wolvaardt 14 runs, Brits 10)

A moment of hesitation nearly cost Brits her wicket, but the throw from Nat Sciver-Brunt missed the stumps. She then responded by smashing a ball outside off past cover to the boundary. Lauren Bell ended the over with a sharp delivery which rose past the bat.

Fourth Over: South Africa 21 without loss (Laura Wolvaardt 13 runs, Brits 6)

Smith bowled a tidy over. Even with the earlier chance, reports indicate the English team have the top fielding record in the tournament.

3rd Over: The Proteas 19-0 (Wolvaardt 12 runs, Tazmin Brits 5)

A possible catch was not taken. Tazmin Brits hammered a ball toward Bell, that raced to the boundary.

2nd Over: South Africa 14-0 (Wolvaardt 12 runs, Tazmin Brits 1 run)

Overcast conditions hovered over Guwahati, with the lights were switched on. Linsey Smith seemed in better rhythm compared to earlier games yet served up a loose delivery that Wolvaardt hit hard through the covers for four.

First Over: The Proteas 9 for no wicket (Wolvaardt 8, Tazmin Brits 0)

Bell started the innings with a fresh cherry. Wolvaardt seized the opportunity, driving the first ball with style past cover for four. Another wide delivery was slashed for four more runs. The bowler then tightened her line, yielding only a single from a wide.

Match Preview

The playing surface reportedly differs compared to the previous track in the teams' first encounter. It is described as a surface with red soil, promising more bounce and help for the seamers.

The two sides have experienced mixed performances in the competition so far. The English team are considered favourites, but South Africa have the potential of springing a surprise. History shows that England have won earlier knockout clashes when these teams met.

“Roll up your sleeves, this is where it gets messy.” The pressure is on with both sides targeting a place in the final.

Keep following for further developments as this thrilling encounter unfolds.