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The eagerly awaited semi-final between the English side and South Africa in the Women’s Cricket World Cup has kicked off at the Guwahati stadium. The English squad won the toss and chose to field first, hoping to apply early pressure against the South African batting lineup.

Highlights

• Anthems were performed prior to the start, with South Africa's uplifting anthem receiving acclaim.
• Playing XIs were revealed and both sides naming strong lineups.
• The English team secured the toss and chose to bowl. Skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt emphasized the importance of sticking to their plans.
• Sophie Ecclestone is fit to take part despite a bit of pain.

Live Match Updates

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

NSB took over the bowling to replace Bell. No boundaries were given away, thanks to quick work in the field from Tammy Beaumont near the rope.

6th Over: South Africa 35 without loss (Wolvaardt 22 runs, Brits 10 runs)

Wolvaardt, who is in fine form, struck back-to-back fours off Linsey Smith. A full toss was dispatched to the off-side boundary, and then a loose ball through cover point.

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

A brief mix-up almost resulted in Tazmin Brits a dismissal, but the fielding effort from Nat Sciver-Brunt wasn't on target. She then responded by smashing a ball outside off through the covers for four. Bell ended the over with a well-pitched ball that bounced over Brits' bat.

Fourth Over: The Proteas 21 without loss (Laura Wolvaardt 13, Brits 6)

Smith delivered a controlled over. Despite the earlier chance, statistics show that England have the top fielding record in this competition.

Third Over: The Proteas 19 for no loss (Wolvaardt 12, Tazmin Brits 5)

A possible catch was not taken. Brits struck fiercely a ball toward Bell, which flew for four runs.

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

Cloudy skies hovered over Guwahati, with the lights in use. Smith seemed in better rhythm compared to earlier games yet served up a poor ball that Wolvaardt punished through the covers for four.

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

Bell started the innings with a fresh cherry. The South African batter immediately took advantage, hitting the initial delivery elegantly past cover for a boundary. Another wide delivery was slashed for another boundary. The bowler then tightened her line, allowing just one run off a wide ball.

Match Preview

The playing surface is said to be different from the one used in the teams' first encounter. It's been called a surface with red soil, promising extra bounce and assistance for the seamers.

The two sides have experienced inconsistent form in the competition so far. England are seen as the front-runners, however South Africa have the potential to cause an upset. Past records indicate that England have emerged victorious in both previous semi-final meetings between the sides.

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

Keep following for further developments as the match progresses.