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The highly anticipated semi-final featuring England and South Africa in the Women’s Cricket World Cup is underway in Guwahati. England won the toss and chose to field first, aiming to apply early pressure against the South African batting lineup.

Highlights

• Anthems were sung before the match, with the Proteas' rousing anthem earning praise.
• Team Lineups were announced and each team fielding competitive lineups.
• England won the toss and chose to bowl. Skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt emphasized the need for trusting the process.
• Sophie Ecclestone has been declared fit to take part even with a bit of pain.

Live Match Updates

Seventh Over: The Proteas 41-0 (Wolvaardt 24 runs, Brits 13)

NSB brought herself on in place of Bell. Zero fours were given away, due to quick work in the field from Beaumont near the rope.

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

Wolvaardt, who is in fine form, hit two consecutive boundaries from Linsey Smith. One full-pitched delivery was sent through long off, followed by a loose ball through the covers.

5th Over: South Africa 27 for no wicket (Wolvaardt 14, Brits 10)

A moment of hesitation nearly cost Tazmin Brits her wicket, however the throw from Nat Sciver-Brunt missed the stumps. Brits then replied by smashing a wide delivery through the covers for four. Bell finished the over with a well-pitched ball that bounced over Brits' bat.

Fourth Over: The Proteas 21-0 (Wolvaardt 13 runs, Brits 6)

Smith delivered a controlled over. Even with the previous opportunity, statistics show the English team have the top fielding record in this competition.

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

A possible catch went begging. Tazmin Brits struck fiercely a delivery toward Bell, that raced to the boundary.

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

Cloudy skies 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 a boundary.

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

Bell opened the bowling with the new ball. Wolvaardt immediately took advantage, driving the initial delivery elegantly through the covers 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.

Pre-Match Build-Up

The playing surface reportedly differs from the one used in the teams' first encounter. It is described as a "red soil pitch", promising more bounce and assistance for fast bowlers.

The two sides have experienced mixed performances in the competition so far. The English team are seen as the front-runners, however the Proteas have the potential to cause an upset. Past records indicate the English side have won earlier knockout clashes when these teams met.

“Brace yourselves, things are about to get intense.” The pressure is on with both sides targeting a place in the final.

Stay tuned for further developments as this thrilling encounter unfolds.