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The eagerly awaited semi-final featuring England and the South African team in the Women’s Cricket World Cup has kicked off in Guwahati. England won the toss and opted to bowl, hoping to apply early pressure against their opponents' batting order.

Notable Events

• Anthems were performed before the match, with the Proteas' rousing song earning praise.
• Team Lineups were revealed with both sides fielding strong lineups.
• The English team won the toss and decided to field. Captain NSB stressed the need for sticking to their plans.
• Ecclestone has been declared fit to take part even with some discomfort.

Live Match Updates

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

Nat Sciver-Brunt brought herself on to replace Lauren Bell. Zero fours were conceded, thanks to quick work in the field by Beaumont near the rope.

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

Wolvaardt, looking in great touch, struck back-to-back boundaries off Linsey Smith. A full toss was sent through long off, followed by a loose ball through cover point.

5th Over: The Proteas 27 for no wicket (Wolvaardt 14, Brits 10 runs)

A brief mix-up nearly cost Brits a dismissal, but the throw from Nat Sciver-Brunt wasn't on target. Brits then responded by smashing a wide delivery past cover for four. Lauren Bell finished the over with a well-pitched ball which rose over Brits' bat.

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

Smith bowled a tidy over. Even with the previous opportunity, reports indicate the English team are the best fielding side in this competition.

3rd Over: South Africa 19 for no loss (Wolvaardt 12, Tazmin Brits 5)

A possible catch was not taken. Brits hammered a ball toward Lauren Bell, which flew to the boundary.

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

Overcast conditions covered Guwahati, with the lights were switched on. Smith seemed in better rhythm than in her previous match but bowled a loose delivery that Wolvaardt hit hard to the off-side boundary for four.

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

Bell started the innings with a fresh cherry. The South African batter seized the opportunity, hitting the initial delivery elegantly past cover for four. A subsequent loose ball was cut for another boundary. The bowler then tightened her line, yielding only a single 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's been called a "red soil pitch", which should offer extra bounce and assistance for fast bowlers.

The two sides have had mixed performances throughout the tournament. The English team are considered favourites, however the Proteas have the potential of springing a surprise. 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 stakes are high as both teams aim for a spot in the championship match.

Stay tuned for more updates as the match progresses.