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The highly anticipated semi-final featuring the English side and South Africa in the Women’s Cricket World Cup has kicked off at the Guwahati stadium. England won the toss and opted to bowl, hoping to apply early pressure against their opponents' batting order.

Notable Events

• Anthems were sung prior to the start, with South Africa's rousing song receiving acclaim.
• Playing XIs were revealed and each team naming competitive lineups.
• The English team won the toss and decided to field. Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt emphasized the need for trusting the process.
• Ecclestone is fit to take part despite some discomfort.

In-Play Action

Seventh Over: The Proteas 41 for no loss (Wolvaardt 24 runs, Brits 13 runs)

Nat Sciver-Brunt brought herself on in place of Lauren Bell. No boundaries were given away, thanks to some agile fielding by Beaumont on the boundary.

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

Wolvaardt, looking in great touch, hit back-to-back fours off Smith. A full toss was dispatched through long off, followed by another poor delivery through cover point.

Fifth Over: South Africa 27-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 14, Tazmin Brits 10 runs)

A brief mix-up almost resulted in Tazmin Brits a dismissal, however the throw from Nat Sciver-Brunt wasn't on target. Brits then responded by smashing a wide delivery past cover for four. Lauren Bell ended the over with a sharp delivery that bounced past the bat.

Fourth Over: South Africa 21 without loss (Wolvaardt 13 runs, Brits 6)

Smith bowled a tidy over. Despite the previous opportunity, reports indicate the English team are the best fielding side in the tournament.

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

A half-chance went begging. Tazmin Brits hammered a delivery back at Bell, that raced for four runs.

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

Cloudy skies hovered over Guwahati, with the lights in use. Smith seemed in better rhythm compared to earlier games yet bowled a loose delivery which Wolvaardt hit hard to the off-side boundary for four.

1st Over: The Proteas 9-0 (Wolvaardt 8, Tazmin Brits 0 runs)

Lauren Bell started the innings with a fresh cherry. The South African batter seized the opportunity, hitting the first ball elegantly 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.

Match Preview

The pitch is said to be different compared to the previous track in the teams' first encounter. It's been called a "red soil pitch", which should offer extra bounce and assistance for fast bowlers.

Both teams have had mixed performances throughout the tournament. The English team are considered favourites, but South Africa have the potential of springing a surprise. Past records indicate that England have emerged victorious in earlier knockout clashes 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.

Keep following for more updates as this thrilling encounter progresses.