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The much-awaited semi-final between the English side and South Africa in the Women’s Cricket World Cup has commenced in Guwahati. The English squad clinched the toss and chose to field first, hoping to put pressure on the South African batting lineup.

Key Moments

• Anthems were sung before the match, and South Africa's uplifting anthem earning praise.
• Playing XIs were revealed and both sides naming strong lineups.
• England won the toss and decided to field. Skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt emphasized the need for trusting the process.
• Ecclestone is fit to take part despite a bit of pain.

In-Play Action

7th Over: The Proteas 41 for no loss (Laura Wolvaardt 24, Tazmin Brits 13 runs)

NSB brought herself on to replace Bell. No boundaries were conceded, due to some agile fielding from Tammy Beaumont on the boundary.

6th Over: The Proteas 35 without loss (Laura Wolvaardt 22 runs, Brits 10)

Wolvaardt, looking in great touch, hit back-to-back fours from Smith. A full toss was dispatched to the off-side boundary, followed by a loose ball through the covers.

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

A brief mix-up nearly cost Brits a dismissal, however the fielding effort from Nat Sciver-Brunt missed the stumps. She then replied with a powerful shot 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 earlier chance, reports indicate that England are the best fielding side in this competition.

3rd Over: The Proteas 19 for no loss (Laura Wolvaardt 12 runs, Brits 5)

A possible catch went begging. Brits hammered a delivery toward Bell, that raced for four runs.

2nd Over: South Africa 14-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 12 runs, Brits 1)

Cloudy skies hovered over Guwahati, and the floodlights in use. Smith appeared more comfortable compared to earlier games yet bowled a poor ball that Wolvaardt punished through the covers for a boundary.

First Over: The Proteas 9-0 (Wolvaardt 8, Brits 0)

Lauren Bell opened the bowling with a fresh cherry. The South African batter immediately took advantage, hitting the first ball elegantly through the covers for four. Another wide delivery was cut for four more runs. The bowler adjusted her length, yielding only a single off a wide ball.

Match Preview

The pitch reportedly differs 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.

The two sides have had mixed performances throughout the tournament. The English team are seen as the front-runners, but South Africa have the potential to cause an upset. Past records indicate that England have won earlier knockout clashes when these teams met.

“Brace yourselves, things are about to get intense.” The pressure is on as both teams targeting a place in the final.

Keep following for more updates as this thrilling encounter progresses.