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The highly anticipated semi-final featuring England and the South African team at the Women's World Cup has commenced in Guwahati. England won the toss and opted to bowl, aiming to put pressure on their opponents' batting order.

Notable Events

• National anthems were sung before the match, and the Proteas' rousing anthem receiving acclaim.
• Playing XIs were announced and each team fielding strong elevens.
• The English team secured the toss and decided to field. Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt emphasized the importance of sticking to their plans.
• Ecclestone has been declared fit to play despite a bit of pain.

Live Match Updates

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

NSB brought herself on to replace Bell. Zero fours were given away, thanks to quick work in the field from Tammy Beaumont near the rope.

Sixth Over: South Africa 35-0 (Wolvaardt 22, Tazmin Brits 10 runs)

Wolvaardt, looking in great touch, hit two consecutive boundaries from Smith. One full-pitched delivery was sent through long off, followed by another poor delivery through the covers.

Fifth Over: The Proteas 27 for no wicket (Wolvaardt 14 runs, Tazmin Brits 10 runs)

A moment of hesitation almost resulted in Tazmin Brits her wicket, however the fielding effort from Nat Sciver-Brunt missed the stumps. Brits then responded with a powerful shot a wide delivery through the covers for four. Bell ended the over with a well-pitched ball that bounced over Brits' bat.

4th Over: The Proteas 21-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 13, Tazmin Brits 6)

Linsey Smith delivered a controlled over. Even with the earlier chance, statistics show that England are the best fielding side in this competition.

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

A possible catch was not taken. Tazmin Brits struck fiercely a delivery back at Lauren Bell, which flew for four runs.

Second Over: The Proteas 14 without loss (Laura Wolvaardt 12 runs, Brits 1 run)

Cloudy skies covered Guwahati, and the floodlights in use. Linsey Smith appeared more comfortable compared to earlier games yet bowled a loose delivery that Wolvaardt punished through the covers for four.

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

Bell started the innings with a fresh cherry. Wolvaardt immediately took advantage, driving the first ball elegantly past cover for a boundary. Another wide delivery was cut for another boundary. Bell then tightened her line, yielding only a single off a wide ball.

Pre-Match Build-Up

The playing surface reportedly differs compared to the previous track in the earlier match. It's been called a surface with red soil, which should offer extra bounce and help for fast bowlers.

Both teams have experienced mixed performances in the competition so far. The English team are considered favourites, however South Africa have the potential of springing a surprise. Past records indicate that England have won both previous semi-final meetings between the sides.

“Roll up your sleeves, this is where it gets messy.” The pressure is on with both sides targeting a place in the final.

Keep following for further developments as this thrilling encounter progresses.