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The highly anticipated semi-final between the English side and the South African team in the Women’s Cricket World Cup has kicked off in Guwahati. The English squad clinched the toss and opted to bowl, hoping to apply early pressure against the South African batting lineup.

Key Moments

• National anthems were sung before the match, and the Proteas' rousing anthem earning praise.
• Playing XIs were revealed and each team fielding strong elevens.
• England secured the toss and decided to field. Captain NSB emphasized the need for trusting the process.
• Sophie Ecclestone is fit to play even with a bit of pain.

In-Play Action

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

Nat Sciver-Brunt brought herself on in place of Lauren Bell. No boundaries were given away, due to quick work in the field by Tammy Beaumont near the rope.

Sixth Over: The Proteas 35-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 22 runs, Tazmin Brits 10)

Wolvaardt, looking in great touch, struck back-to-back boundaries from Linsey Smith. A full toss was sent through long off, and then another poor delivery through cover point.

Fifth Over: South Africa 27 for no wicket (Laura Wolvaardt 14, Tazmin Brits 10 runs)

A moment of hesitation almost resulted in Tazmin Brits a dismissal, but the throw from NSB missed the stumps. Brits then responded with a powerful shot a wide delivery through the covers to the boundary. Lauren Bell ended the over with a sharp delivery that bounced over Brits' bat.

4th Over: The Proteas 21-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 13, Brits 6 runs)

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

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

A half-chance was not taken. Tazmin Brits struck fiercely a ball back at Bell, which flew for four runs.

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

Overcast conditions hovered over the venue, with the lights in use. Linsey Smith appeared more comfortable compared to earlier games yet bowled a poor ball which Wolvaardt punished to the off-side boundary for four.

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

Bell opened the bowling with a fresh cherry. Wolvaardt immediately took advantage, driving the first ball with style through the covers for four. A subsequent loose ball was slashed for another boundary. Bell adjusted her length, yielding only a single from a wide.

Match Preview

The playing surface reportedly differs compared to the previous track in the earlier match. It's been called a "red soil pitch", which should offer extra bounce and help for fast bowlers.

Both teams have experienced mixed performances throughout the tournament. The English team are seen as the front-runners, however the Proteas have the potential to cause an upset. Past records indicate that England have emerged victorious in both previous semi-final meetings when these teams met.

“Brace yourselves, things are about to get intense.” The stakes are high as both teams aim for a place in the final.

Keep following for further developments as the match progresses.