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

Key Moments

• Anthems were performed before the match, with the Proteas' uplifting song earning praise.
• Playing XIs were announced with each team fielding strong elevens.
• England won the toss and chose to bowl. Skipper NSB emphasized the need for sticking to their plans.
• Sophie Ecclestone has been declared fit to play even with some discomfort.

In-Play Action

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

NSB took over the bowling to replace Lauren Bell. No boundaries were given away, due to some agile fielding from Beaumont on the boundary.

6th Over: The Proteas 35-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 22, Brits 10 runs)

Wolvaardt, looking in great touch, struck two consecutive boundaries from Linsey Smith. A full toss was dispatched through long off, and then a loose ball through the covers.

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

A moment of hesitation nearly cost Tazmin Brits a dismissal, however the throw from Nat Sciver-Brunt missed the stumps. Brits then responded by smashing a wide delivery past cover to the boundary. Lauren Bell finished the over with a well-pitched ball that bounced past the bat.

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

Linsey Smith bowled a tidy over. Even with the previous opportunity, statistics show that England have the top fielding record in this competition.

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

A possible catch was not taken. Brits struck fiercely a ball back at Lauren Bell, which flew to the boundary.

2nd Over: South Africa 14 without loss (Wolvaardt 12 runs, Tazmin Brits 1 run)

Overcast conditions covered Guwahati, with the lights in use. Linsey Smith seemed in better rhythm than in her previous match but served up a poor ball that Wolvaardt hit hard to the off-side boundary for a boundary.

1st Over: South Africa 9 for no wicket (Wolvaardt 8, Brits 0 runs)

Bell started the innings with a fresh cherry. The South African batter immediately took advantage, driving the initial delivery elegantly through the covers for four. A subsequent loose ball was slashed for four more runs. The bowler then tightened her line, yielding only a single from a wide.

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 surface with red soil, promising extra bounce and help for the seamers.

The two sides have experienced mixed performances throughout the tournament. The English team are considered favourites, however the Proteas have the potential of springing a surprise. History shows the English side have emerged victorious in earlier knockout clashes between the sides.

“Brace yourselves, things are about to get intense.” The pressure is on with both sides aim for a spot in the championship match.

Stay tuned for more updates as the match unfolds.