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The much-awaited semi-final featuring the English side and the South African team in the Women’s Cricket World Cup has kicked off in Guwahati. England won the toss and opted to bowl, hoping to apply early pressure against the South African batting lineup.

Notable Events

• Anthems were sung before the match, with the Proteas' rousing anthem receiving acclaim.
• Playing XIs were revealed with both sides naming competitive lineups.
• England won the toss and chose to bowl. Skipper NSB emphasized the importance of trusting the process.
• Ecclestone has been declared fit to play even with some discomfort.

In-Play Action

7th Over: South Africa 41-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 24 runs, Tazmin Brits 13)

Nat Sciver-Brunt brought herself on in place of Bell. Zero fours were conceded, due to some agile fielding by Tammy Beaumont on the boundary.

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

Wolvaardt, who is in fine form, struck back-to-back fours from Smith. One full-pitched delivery was dispatched through long off, followed by another poor delivery through cover point.

5th Over: The Proteas 27 for no wicket (Wolvaardt 14, Tazmin Brits 10 runs)

A moment of hesitation almost resulted in Brits her wicket, however the fielding effort from Nat Sciver-Brunt wasn't on target. Brits then replied by smashing a wide delivery past cover for four. Bell finished the over with a well-pitched ball which rose over Brits' bat.

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

Smith delivered a controlled over. Despite the previous opportunity, statistics show the English team are the best fielding side in the tournament.

3rd Over: The Proteas 19-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 12, Brits 5 runs)

A possible catch went begging. Tazmin Brits struck fiercely a delivery toward Lauren Bell, which flew to the boundary.

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

Cloudy skies covered Guwahati, and the floodlights in use. Smith seemed in better rhythm than in her previous match but served up a poor ball that Wolvaardt punished through the covers for a boundary.

1st Over: The Proteas 9 for no wicket (Laura Wolvaardt 8, Brits 0)

Lauren Bell started the innings with a fresh cherry. The South African batter seized the opportunity, hitting the initial delivery with style through the covers for four. Another wide delivery was slashed for another boundary. Bell then tightened her line, allowing just one run off a wide ball.

Match Preview

The playing surface reportedly differs compared to the previous track in the earlier match. It is described as a "red soil pitch", promising more bounce and assistance for the seamers.

The two sides have experienced mixed performances in the competition so far. England are considered favourites, but South Africa have the potential to cause an upset. Past records indicate that England have emerged victorious in both previous semi-final meetings between the sides.

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

Stay tuned for further developments as this thrilling encounter progresses.