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The highly anticipated semi-final featuring the English side and South Africa at the Women's World Cup has commenced at the Guwahati stadium. England won the toss and chose to field first, aiming to put pressure on the South African batting lineup.

Key Moments

• National anthems were sung prior to the start, with South Africa's rousing song receiving acclaim.
• Playing XIs were revealed with each team naming strong lineups.
• The English team won the toss and chose to bowl. Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt emphasized the need for sticking to their plans.
• Ecclestone has been declared fit to play even with a bit of pain.

Live Match Updates

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

NSB brought herself on to replace Lauren Bell. No boundaries were conceded, thanks to some agile fielding from Tammy Beaumont near the rope.

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

Wolvaardt, who is in fine form, struck back-to-back boundaries off Smith. A full toss was dispatched to the off-side boundary, followed by another poor delivery through the covers.

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

A moment of hesitation almost resulted in Tazmin Brits a dismissal, however the fielding effort from Nat Sciver-Brunt wasn't on target. Brits then responded with a powerful shot a wide delivery past cover for four. Lauren Bell finished the over with a sharp delivery which rose past the bat.

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

Linsey Smith bowled a tidy over. Even with the previous opportunity, statistics show the English team are the best fielding side in the tournament.

Third Over: The Proteas 19-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 12, Brits 5 runs)

A half-chance went begging. Tazmin Brits struck fiercely a delivery toward Bell, which flew for four runs.

2nd Over: South Africa 14 without loss (Wolvaardt 12 runs, Brits 1 run)

Overcast conditions hovered over the venue, with the lights were switched on. Linsey Smith seemed in better rhythm compared to earlier games but bowled a loose delivery which Wolvaardt punished to the off-side boundary for a boundary.

1st Over: South Africa 9-0 (Wolvaardt 8, Brits 0 runs)

Lauren Bell opened the bowling with the new ball. The South African batter seized the opportunity, driving the first ball with style past cover for four. A subsequent loose ball was cut for four more runs. The bowler then tightened her line, allowing just one run off a wide ball.

Match Preview

The pitch reportedly differs from the one used in the teams' first encounter. It is described as a surface with red soil, promising more bounce and help for the seamers.

Both teams have had mixed performances in the competition so far. The English team are seen as the front-runners, however South Africa have the potential to cause an upset. Past records indicate that England have won earlier knockout clashes when these teams met.

“Brace yourselves, things are about to get intense.” The pressure is on with both sides aim for a spot in the championship match.

Keep following for more updates as the match progresses.