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The highly anticipated semi-final featuring the English side and South Africa in the Women’s Cricket World Cup is underway in Guwahati. England clinched the toss and chose to field first, hoping to put pressure on the South African batting lineup.

Highlights

• Anthems were performed before the match, with the Proteas' rousing song receiving acclaim.
• Playing XIs were announced and each team naming strong lineups.
• The English team won the toss and decided to field. Skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt emphasized the importance of trusting the process.
• Sophie Ecclestone is fit to take part even with a bit of pain.

In-Play Action

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

NSB took over the bowling in place of Lauren Bell. No boundaries were conceded, thanks to some agile fielding by Tammy Beaumont on the boundary.

6th Over: The Proteas 35-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 22 runs, Tazmin Brits 10 runs)

Wolvaardt, looking in great touch, struck back-to-back boundaries off Smith. One full-pitched delivery was sent to the off-side boundary, followed by a loose ball through cover point.

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

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

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

Smith bowled a tidy over. Despite the previous opportunity, reports indicate that England are the best fielding side in this competition.

Third Over: South Africa 19 for no loss (Laura Wolvaardt 12, Tazmin Brits 5 runs)

A half-chance went begging. Tazmin Brits struck fiercely a delivery toward Lauren Bell, that raced to the boundary.

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

Overcast conditions hovered over the venue, and the floodlights were switched on. Linsey Smith appeared more comfortable compared to earlier games yet bowled a poor ball which Wolvaardt punished to the off-side boundary for four.

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

Bell started the innings with the new ball. Wolvaardt immediately took advantage, driving the first ball with style through the covers for four. 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 is said to be different from the one used in the earlier match. It's been called a "red soil pitch", promising extra bounce and assistance for the seamers.

The two sides have experienced mixed performances throughout the tournament. England are seen as the front-runners, however the Proteas are capable of springing a surprise. Past records indicate the English side have emerged victorious in both previous semi-final meetings between the sides.

“Brace yourselves, things are about to get intense.” The stakes are high with both sides targeting a spot in the championship match.

Stay tuned for more updates as the match unfolds.