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The much-awaited semi-final between the English side and the South African team in the Women’s Cricket World Cup has commenced in Guwahati. England clinched the toss and chose to field first, hoping to apply early pressure against their opponents' batting order.

Notable Events

• Anthems were sung before the match, and South Africa's uplifting song earning praise.
• Team Lineups were revealed and each team fielding strong elevens.
• England won the toss and chose to bowl. Skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt emphasized the need for sticking to their plans.
• Sophie Ecclestone has been declared fit to take part despite a bit of pain.

Live Match Updates

Seventh Over: South Africa 41 for no loss (Laura Wolvaardt 24 runs, Brits 13)

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

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

Wolvaardt, looking in great touch, struck two consecutive boundaries off Linsey Smith. A full toss was dispatched through long off, and then another poor delivery through cover point.

5th Over: The Proteas 27-0 (Wolvaardt 14 runs, Brits 10)

A moment of hesitation almost resulted in Tazmin Brits a dismissal, but the fielding effort from NSB missed the stumps. Brits then replied by smashing a wide delivery through the covers to the boundary. Lauren Bell finished the over with a well-pitched ball that bounced past the bat.

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

Smith bowled a tidy over. Even with the earlier chance, reports indicate the English team are the best fielding side in this competition.

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

A possible catch was not taken. Tazmin Brits struck fiercely a ball toward Bell, that raced for four runs.

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

Cloudy skies covered the venue, with the lights were switched on. Linsey Smith seemed in better rhythm than in her previous match yet bowled a poor ball that Wolvaardt punished to the off-side boundary for a boundary.

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

Bell opened the bowling with the new ball. Wolvaardt immediately took advantage, hitting the first ball elegantly past cover for four. A subsequent loose ball was cut for another boundary. The bowler then tightened her line, 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 teams' first encounter. It is described as a "red soil pitch", which should offer more bounce and help for fast bowlers.

Both teams have experienced inconsistent form in the competition so far. England are seen as the front-runners, however South Africa have the potential to cause an upset. Past records indicate that England have emerged victorious in earlier knockout clashes between the sides.

“Roll up your sleeves, this is where it gets messy.” The pressure is on as both teams targeting a spot in the championship match.

Keep following for more updates as the match unfolds.