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The highly anticipated semi-final featuring the English side and the South African team in the Women’s Cricket World Cup is underway at the Guwahati stadium. England clinched the toss and opted to bowl, aiming to put pressure on the South African batting lineup.

Highlights

• National anthems were performed prior to the start, and the Proteas' uplifting song earning praise.
• Playing XIs were announced with each team fielding strong elevens.
• England secured the toss and decided to field. Skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt emphasized the importance of sticking to their plans.
• Ecclestone is fit to play even with a bit of pain.

In-Play Action

7th Over: The Proteas 41-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 24, Tazmin Brits 13)

NSB brought herself on in place of Lauren Bell. Zero fours were given away, thanks to some agile fielding from Tammy Beaumont near the rope.

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

Wolvaardt, who is in fine form, hit two consecutive fours from Linsey Smith. A full toss was dispatched through long off, and then a loose ball through the covers.

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

A moment of hesitation almost resulted in Brits her wicket, but the fielding effort from NSB wasn't on target. Brits then responded by smashing a wide delivery through the covers to the boundary. Bell ended the over with a sharp delivery which rose over Brits' bat.

4th Over: The Proteas 21 without loss (Wolvaardt 13, Tazmin Brits 6 runs)

Linsey Smith bowled a tidy over. Despite the earlier chance, statistics show the English team are the best fielding side in the tournament.

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

A half-chance was not taken. Tazmin Brits struck fiercely a delivery toward Lauren Bell, that raced for four runs.

2nd Over: The Proteas 14-0 (Wolvaardt 12, Tazmin Brits 1 run)

Cloudy skies hovered over the venue, and the floodlights were switched on. Smith seemed in better rhythm compared to earlier games yet bowled a loose delivery that Wolvaardt hit hard to the off-side boundary for a boundary.

1st Over: The Proteas 9 for no wicket (Laura Wolvaardt 8, Brits 0 runs)

Lauren Bell started the innings with the new ball. The South African batter seized the opportunity, hitting the initial delivery elegantly through the covers for four. A subsequent loose ball was slashed for another boundary. Bell adjusted her length, allowing just one run off a wide ball.

Match Preview

The playing surface 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 help for the seamers.

The two sides have had inconsistent form throughout the tournament. The English team are seen as the front-runners, but the Proteas are capable to cause an upset. Past records indicate the English side have won earlier knockout clashes between the sides.

“Roll up your sleeves, this is where it gets messy.” The stakes are high as both teams aim for a place in the final.

Keep following for more updates as the match progresses.