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The eagerly awaited semi-final between the English side and the South African team in the Women’s Cricket World Cup has commenced in Guwahati. The English squad clinched the toss and opted to bowl, aiming to apply early pressure against their opponents' batting order.

Notable Events

• Anthems were sung before the match, with the Proteas' uplifting anthem earning praise.
• Team Lineups were revealed and both sides naming strong lineups.
• England secured the toss and decided to field. Skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt stressed the need for sticking to their plans.
• Ecclestone has been declared fit to play even with a bit of pain.

Live Match Updates

7th Over: South Africa 41-0 (Wolvaardt 24 runs, Tazmin Brits 13 runs)

Nat Sciver-Brunt brought herself on in place of Bell. No boundaries were conceded, due to some agile fielding by Tammy Beaumont near the rope.

Sixth Over: The Proteas 35-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 22 runs, Tazmin Brits 10 runs)

The South African opener, looking in great touch, hit two consecutive boundaries off Smith. One full-pitched delivery was dispatched to the off-side boundary, and then a loose ball through cover point.

5th Over: South Africa 27 for no wicket (Laura Wolvaardt 14, Brits 10)

A brief mix-up almost resulted in Tazmin Brits her wicket, however the fielding effort by NSB missed the stumps. She then replied with a powerful shot a wide delivery past cover to the boundary. Lauren Bell finished the over with a well-pitched ball which rose past the bat.

Fourth Over: The Proteas 21-0 (Wolvaardt 13 runs, Tazmin Brits 6)

Linsey Smith delivered a controlled over. Despite the previous opportunity, statistics show that England have the top fielding record in the tournament.

Third Over: South Africa 19-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 12 runs, Tazmin Brits 5 runs)

A possible catch went begging. Brits hammered a ball toward Lauren Bell, that raced for four runs.

2nd Over: The Proteas 14-0 (Wolvaardt 12, Brits 1 run)

Cloudy skies hovered over the venue, with the lights in use. Linsey Smith seemed in better rhythm compared to earlier games but served up a loose delivery which Wolvaardt punished to the off-side boundary for a boundary.

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

Lauren Bell opened the bowling with a fresh cherry. The South African batter immediately took advantage, driving the initial delivery with style through the covers for four. A subsequent loose ball was cut for another boundary. The bowler adjusted her length, yielding only a single off a wide ball.

Pre-Match Build-Up

The playing surface is said to be different compared to the previous track in the earlier match. It's been called a "red soil pitch", promising more bounce and help for fast bowlers.

The two sides have had inconsistent form throughout the tournament. The English team are seen as the front-runners, but South Africa have the potential to cause an upset. History shows that England have won earlier knockout clashes when these teams met.

“Brace yourselves, things are about to get intense.” The pressure is on as both teams targeting a spot in the championship match.

Keep following for more updates as this thrilling encounter unfolds.