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The eagerly awaited semi-final between the English side and the South African team in the Women’s Cricket World Cup has commenced at the Guwahati stadium. England won the toss and opted to bowl, hoping to apply early pressure against the South African batting lineup.

Highlights

• Anthems were performed before the match, with the Proteas' rousing anthem earning praise.
• Playing XIs were announced and both sides fielding strong elevens.
• England won the toss and chose to bowl. Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt emphasized the importance of sticking to their plans.
• Ecclestone has been declared fit to play despite a bit of pain.

In-Play Action

7th Over: South Africa 41-0 (Wolvaardt 24 runs, Tazmin Brits 13 runs)

Nat Sciver-Brunt took over the bowling to replace Lauren Bell. No boundaries were given away, thanks to some agile fielding from Beaumont near the rope.

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

The South African opener, who is in fine form, struck back-to-back fours off Linsey Smith. One full-pitched delivery was sent through long off, followed by a loose ball through the covers.

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

A moment of hesitation nearly cost Brits a dismissal, however the fielding effort by Nat Sciver-Brunt wasn't on target. Brits then replied by smashing a ball outside off through the covers to the boundary. Lauren Bell finished the over with a sharp delivery which rose over Brits' bat.

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

Smith bowled a tidy over. Even with the previous opportunity, statistics show the English team have the top fielding record in the tournament.

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

A possible catch was not taken. Tazmin Brits struck fiercely a ball back at Bell, that raced to the boundary.

2nd Over: The Proteas 14 without loss (Wolvaardt 12, Tazmin Brits 1)

Cloudy skies hovered over Guwahati, and the floodlights 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.

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

Bell opened the bowling with a fresh cherry. The South African batter immediately took advantage, driving the first ball with style past cover for four. A subsequent loose ball was slashed for four more runs. Bell adjusted her length, allowing just one run from a wide.

Pre-Match Build-Up

The playing surface is said to be different from the one used in the teams' first encounter. It is described as a "red soil pitch", which should offer more bounce and help for the seamers.

The two sides have had mixed performances throughout the tournament. The English team are considered favourites, however South Africa have the potential of springing a surprise. History shows the English side have won earlier knockout clashes when these teams met.

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

Stay tuned for further developments as the match progresses.