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The much-awaited semi-final featuring England and the South African team in the Women’s Cricket World Cup has kicked off in Guwahati. England clinched the toss and chose to field first, aiming to apply early pressure against the South African batting lineup.

Key Moments

• National anthems were performed before the match, with the Proteas' rousing anthem receiving acclaim.
• Team Lineups were revealed and each team naming strong lineups.
• The English team won the toss and decided to field. Skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt stressed the importance of sticking to their plans.
• Ecclestone has been declared fit to play despite a bit of pain.

In-Play Action

7th Over: The Proteas 41-0 (Wolvaardt 24 runs, Brits 13 runs)

NSB brought herself on in place of Lauren Bell. No boundaries were given away, due to some agile fielding from Tammy Beaumont on the boundary.

6th Over: The Proteas 35 without loss (Wolvaardt 22 runs, Brits 10)

Wolvaardt, who is in fine form, struck back-to-back boundaries off Smith. One full-pitched delivery was sent through long off, and then a loose ball through the covers.

Fifth Over: The Proteas 27-0 (Wolvaardt 14, Tazmin Brits 10)

A brief mix-up nearly cost Tazmin Brits a dismissal, but the throw from NSB wasn't on target. She then replied with a powerful shot a ball outside off past cover to the boundary. Bell ended the over with a well-pitched ball that bounced past the bat.

4th Over: The Proteas 21 without loss (Wolvaardt 13, Tazmin Brits 6 runs)

Linsey Smith bowled a tidy over. Despite the previous opportunity, statistics show that England are the best fielding side in this competition.

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

A half-chance was not taken. Brits struck fiercely a ball back at Bell, which flew for four runs.

Second Over: The Proteas 14-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 12 runs, Brits 1)

Overcast conditions hovered over Guwahati, with the lights were switched on. Linsey Smith seemed in better rhythm compared to earlier games but bowled a poor ball that Wolvaardt punished through the covers for four.

First Over: South Africa 9 for no wicket (Laura Wolvaardt 8 runs, Brits 0)

Lauren Bell started the innings with a fresh cherry. The South African batter immediately took advantage, hitting the first ball with style through the covers for a boundary. Another wide delivery was slashed for another boundary. Bell then tightened her line, allowing just one run off a wide ball.

Pre-Match Build-Up

The pitch reportedly differs compared to the previous track in the earlier match. It is described as a surface with red soil, which should offer extra bounce and help for the seamers.

The two sides have had mixed performances in the competition so far. England are seen as the front-runners, however South Africa are capable of springing a surprise. History shows the English side have won earlier knockout clashes when these teams met.

“Brace yourselves, things are about to get intense.” The stakes are high as both teams aim for a place in the final.

Keep following for more updates as this thrilling encounter unfolds.