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The highly anticipated semi-final featuring England and the South African team in the Women’s Cricket World Cup is underway at the Guwahati stadium. England won the toss and opted to bowl, hoping to apply early pressure against their opponents' batting order.

Notable Events

• National anthems were performed before the match, and South Africa's rousing anthem receiving acclaim.
• Playing XIs were announced with each team fielding strong elevens.
• England secured the toss and decided to field. Captain NSB stressed the need for sticking to their plans.
• Ecclestone is fit to take part despite a bit of pain.

Live Match Updates

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

Nat Sciver-Brunt brought herself on in place of Lauren Bell. Zero fours were given away, due to quick work in the field by Beaumont on the boundary.

6th Over: South Africa 35-0 (Wolvaardt 22 runs, Tazmin Brits 10 runs)

The South African opener, who is in fine form, struck two consecutive boundaries from Linsey Smith. One full-pitched delivery was sent to the off-side boundary, and then another poor delivery through the covers.

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

A brief mix-up almost resulted in Tazmin Brits her wicket, however the throw from NSB wasn't on target. Brits then replied with a powerful shot a ball outside off through the covers for four. Bell finished the over with a sharp delivery that bounced past the bat.

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

Smith bowled a tidy over. Even with the earlier chance, statistics show that England have the top fielding record in this competition.

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

A half-chance went begging. Brits struck fiercely a delivery back at Lauren Bell, that raced for four runs.

Second Over: South Africa 14-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 12, Brits 1 run)

Overcast conditions hovered over Guwahati, with the lights in use. Smith appeared more comfortable than in her previous match but bowled a loose delivery which Wolvaardt hit hard to the off-side boundary for four.

1st Over: The Proteas 9-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 8, Brits 0 runs)

Lauren Bell opened the bowling with the new ball. The South African batter seized the opportunity, hitting the first ball with style past cover for a boundary. A subsequent loose ball was cut for four more runs. The bowler then tightened her line, yielding only a single off a wide ball.

Pre-Match Build-Up

The pitch is said to be different compared to the previous track in the teams' first encounter. It's been called a surface with red soil, promising more bounce and assistance for the seamers.

The two sides have experienced inconsistent form in the competition so far. England are considered favourites, however South Africa have the potential of springing a surprise. History shows the English side have won both previous semi-final meetings 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 more updates as the match unfolds.