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The eagerly awaited semi-final featuring the English side and South Africa at the Women's World Cup has kicked off in Guwahati. England won the toss and opted to bowl, hoping to put pressure on the South African batting lineup.

Notable Events

• Anthems were performed prior to the start, and South Africa's rousing anthem earning praise.
• Playing XIs were announced with both sides naming competitive elevens.
• The English team secured the toss and chose to bowl. Skipper NSB emphasized the importance of sticking to their plans.
• Ecclestone is fit to play despite a bit of pain.

In-Play Action

Seventh Over: The Proteas 41 for no loss (Wolvaardt 24, Brits 13)

NSB took over the bowling to replace Bell. Zero fours were given away, thanks to quick work in the field from Beaumont on the boundary.

Sixth Over: The Proteas 35 without loss (Laura Wolvaardt 22 runs, Tazmin Brits 10 runs)

The South African opener, looking in great touch, hit back-to-back boundaries from Smith. One full-pitched delivery was dispatched through long off, and then a loose ball through the covers.

Fifth Over: South Africa 27 for no wicket (Laura Wolvaardt 14, Tazmin Brits 10 runs)

A moment of hesitation nearly cost Tazmin Brits a dismissal, but the fielding effort from NSB missed the stumps. Brits then responded by smashing a ball outside off past cover for four. Lauren Bell ended the over with a sharp delivery which rose past the bat.

4th Over: South Africa 21-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 13 runs, Tazmin Brits 6)

Linsey Smith delivered a controlled over. Even with the earlier chance, reports indicate the English team are the best fielding side in the tournament.

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

A half-chance was not taken. Brits hammered a delivery toward Lauren Bell, that raced to the boundary.

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

Cloudy skies covered Guwahati, and the floodlights in use. Smith appeared more comfortable compared to earlier games but bowled a loose delivery that Wolvaardt hit hard to the off-side boundary for a boundary.

1st Over: South Africa 9-0 (Wolvaardt 8, Tazmin Brits 0 runs)

Bell opened the bowling with the new ball. Wolvaardt immediately took advantage, hitting the first ball elegantly past cover for a boundary. 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 pitch is said to be different compared to the previous track in the earlier match. It's been called a surface with red soil, which should offer extra bounce and assistance for the seamers.

The two sides have experienced mixed performances in the competition so far. The English team are considered favourites, however the Proteas are capable of springing a surprise. History shows the English side have emerged victorious in earlier knockout clashes when these teams met.

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

Keep following for further developments as the match progresses.