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The highly anticipated semi-final featuring the English side and the South African team in the Women’s Cricket World Cup is underway at the Guwahati stadium. England won the toss and opted to bowl, aiming to apply early pressure against their opponents' batting order.

Notable Events

• National anthems were sung prior to the start, and South Africa's uplifting anthem receiving acclaim.
• Team Lineups were revealed with each team naming strong lineups.
• The English team secured the toss and decided to field. Captain NSB stressed the need for sticking to their plans.
• Sophie Ecclestone has been declared fit to play even with a bit of pain.

In-Play Action

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

NSB took over the bowling to replace Lauren Bell. Zero fours were given away, due to quick work in the field from Beaumont on the boundary.

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

The South African opener, who is in fine form, hit back-to-back fours off Smith. A full toss was dispatched to the off-side boundary, and then a loose ball through the covers.

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

A brief mix-up nearly cost Brits her wicket, however the throw by NSB missed the stumps. Brits then replied by smashing a ball outside off past cover for four. Lauren Bell finished the over with a sharp delivery which rose past the bat.

4th Over: The Proteas 21-0 (Wolvaardt 13, Tazmin Brits 6 runs)

Smith bowled a tidy over. Even with the earlier chance, reports indicate that England have the top fielding record in this competition.

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

A half-chance went begging. Brits hammered a delivery back at Lauren Bell, which flew to the boundary.

2nd Over: South Africa 14-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 12 runs, Brits 1)

Cloudy skies hovered over the venue, with the lights in use. Smith appeared more comfortable than in her previous match but bowled a poor ball which Wolvaardt punished to the off-side boundary for four.

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

Bell opened the bowling with the new ball. The South African batter seized the opportunity, driving the first ball with style through the covers for a boundary. Another wide delivery was slashed for another boundary. The bowler then tightened her line, yielding only a single off a wide ball.

Pre-Match Build-Up

The playing surface is said to be different compared to the previous track in the teams' first encounter. It is described as a surface with red soil, promising more bounce and assistance for fast bowlers.

Both teams have experienced mixed performances throughout the tournament. The English team are seen as the front-runners, but the Proteas are capable of springing a surprise. History shows the English side have won earlier knockout clashes between the sides.

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

Stay tuned for further developments as this thrilling encounter unfolds.