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The highly anticipated semi-final featuring England and South Africa in the Women’s Cricket World Cup has kicked off in Guwahati. The English squad won the toss and opted to bowl, aiming to put pressure on their opponents' batting order.

Key Moments

• National anthems were sung before the match, with the Proteas' rousing song earning praise.
• Team Lineups were announced and each team naming strong elevens.
• The English team secured the toss and chose to bowl. Skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt emphasized the need for trusting the process.
• Sophie Ecclestone has been declared fit to take part even with some discomfort.

In-Play Action

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

NSB brought herself on to replace Bell. No boundaries were conceded, thanks to quick work in the field from Tammy Beaumont on the boundary.

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

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

5th Over: South Africa 27-0 (Wolvaardt 14 runs, Tazmin Brits 10 runs)

A brief mix-up nearly cost Brits her wicket, but the fielding effort by NSB wasn't on target. She then replied by smashing a wide delivery past cover for four. Bell ended the over with a well-pitched ball that bounced past the bat.

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

Linsey Smith delivered a controlled over. Despite the earlier chance, statistics show the English team have the top fielding record in the tournament.

3rd Over: South Africa 19-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 12 runs, Tazmin Brits 5)

A possible catch was not taken. Tazmin Brits hammered a delivery back at Lauren Bell, which flew for four runs.

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

Cloudy skies covered the venue, and the floodlights were switched on. Smith seemed in better rhythm compared to earlier games yet bowled a loose delivery which Wolvaardt hit hard through the covers for four.

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

Lauren Bell opened the bowling with the new ball. Wolvaardt seized the opportunity, driving the first ball elegantly past cover for four. Another wide delivery was slashed for four more runs. The bowler adjusted her length, 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 surface with red soil, promising extra bounce and assistance for fast bowlers.

The two sides have had mixed performances throughout the tournament. England are considered favourites, but South Africa have the potential of springing a surprise. History shows that England have won earlier knockout clashes when these teams met.

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

Keep following for further developments as the match unfolds.