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The eagerly awaited semi-final featuring England and the South African team in the Women’s Cricket World Cup has kicked off in Guwahati. The English squad clinched the toss and opted to bowl, hoping to apply early pressure against the South African batting lineup.

Key Moments

• National anthems were sung before the match, and the Proteas' rousing anthem earning praise.
• Playing XIs were announced and each team naming strong lineups.
• England won the toss and decided to field. Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt emphasized the importance of trusting the process.
• Ecclestone has been declared fit to play despite some discomfort.

Live Match Updates

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

Nat Sciver-Brunt brought herself on in place of Bell. Zero fours were conceded, thanks to some agile fielding from Beaumont near the rope.

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

The South African opener, who is in fine form, hit two consecutive boundaries from Linsey Smith. One full-pitched delivery was dispatched to the off-side boundary, followed by a loose ball through the covers.

5th Over: South Africa 27-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 14, Brits 10 runs)

A moment of hesitation nearly cost 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 that bounced over Brits' bat.

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

Linsey Smith delivered a controlled over. Despite the previous opportunity, statistics show that England are the best fielding side in the tournament.

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

A possible catch was not taken. Tazmin Brits struck fiercely a delivery toward Lauren Bell, that raced to the boundary.

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

Cloudy skies covered the venue, with the lights in use. Linsey Smith appeared more comfortable than in her previous match but bowled a loose delivery that Wolvaardt punished to the off-side boundary for four.

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

Bell opened the bowling with the new ball. The South African batter seized the opportunity, driving the initial delivery with style through the covers for a boundary. A subsequent loose ball was cut for four more runs. Bell adjusted her length, allowing just one run off a wide ball.

Match Preview

The pitch reportedly differs compared to the previous track in the teams' first encounter. It is described as a "red soil pitch", which should offer more bounce and assistance for fast bowlers.

The two sides have had inconsistent form in the competition so far. The English team are considered favourites, however South Africa are capable of springing a surprise. History shows the English side have won earlier knockout clashes when these teams met.

“Roll up your sleeves, this is where it gets messy.” The stakes are high as both teams aim for a place in the final.

Keep following for further developments as this thrilling encounter progresses.