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The eagerly awaited semi-final between England and the South African team in the Women’s Cricket World Cup has kicked off at the Guwahati stadium. The English squad won the toss and opted to bowl, aiming to put pressure on the South African batting lineup.

Highlights

• National anthems were performed prior to the start, and the Proteas' rousing song receiving acclaim.
• Team Lineups were announced and both sides naming competitive lineups.
• England secured the toss and decided to field. Skipper NSB stressed the importance of sticking to their plans.
• Sophie Ecclestone is fit to play even with some discomfort.

In-Play Action

7th Over: South Africa 41 for no loss (Laura Wolvaardt 24 runs, Brits 13 runs)

Nat Sciver-Brunt took over the bowling in place of Bell. No boundaries were given away, thanks to some agile fielding by Tammy Beaumont on the boundary.

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

Wolvaardt, who is in fine form, struck back-to-back boundaries off Smith. One full-pitched delivery was dispatched to the off-side boundary, and then another poor delivery through cover point.

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

A moment of hesitation nearly cost Brits a dismissal, however the fielding effort by NSB wasn't on target. Brits then responded by smashing a wide delivery through the covers to the boundary. Bell finished the over with a sharp delivery that bounced over Brits' bat.

Fourth Over: The Proteas 21 without loss (Wolvaardt 13 runs, Tazmin Brits 6 runs)

Smith delivered a controlled over. Even with the earlier chance, statistics show that England are the best fielding side in the tournament.

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

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

Second Over: South Africa 14 without loss (Wolvaardt 12 runs, Brits 1)

Overcast conditions hovered over the venue, with the lights in use. Linsey Smith seemed in better rhythm than in her previous match but bowled a poor ball that Wolvaardt punished to the off-side boundary for four.

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

Bell started the innings with the new ball. The South African batter seized the opportunity, hitting the first ball elegantly past cover for four. A subsequent loose ball was cut for another boundary. Bell then tightened her line, allowing just one run from a wide.

Pre-Match Build-Up

The pitch reportedly differs compared to the previous track in the earlier match. It's been called a "red soil pitch", promising more bounce and assistance for the seamers.

Both teams have had inconsistent form throughout the tournament. The English team are seen as the front-runners, but South Africa have the potential of springing a surprise. Past records indicate the English side have won earlier knockout clashes between the sides.

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

Stay tuned for further developments as the match progresses.