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The eagerly awaited semi-final between the English side and the South African team in the Women’s Cricket World Cup is underway in Guwahati. England clinched the toss and opted to bowl, hoping to apply early pressure against the South African batting lineup.

Key Moments

• Anthems were sung prior to the start, and South Africa's rousing anthem receiving acclaim.
• Team Lineups were revealed and both sides fielding competitive lineups.
• The English team secured the toss and chose to bowl. Skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt emphasized the importance of sticking to their plans.
• Ecclestone is fit to take part despite some discomfort.

In-Play Action

Seventh Over: The Proteas 41-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 24 runs, Brits 13)

Nat Sciver-Brunt took over the bowling to replace Bell. No boundaries were conceded, due to some agile fielding from Beaumont on the boundary.

Sixth Over: South Africa 35-0 (Wolvaardt 22 runs, Tazmin Brits 10)

The South African opener, looking in great touch, struck back-to-back boundaries off Linsey Smith. One full-pitched delivery was sent to the off-side boundary, and then another poor delivery through cover point.

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

A moment of hesitation nearly cost Brits a dismissal, but the fielding effort by Nat Sciver-Brunt 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 that bounced past the bat.

Fourth Over: South Africa 21-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 13 runs, Brits 6)

Linsey Smith delivered a controlled over. Even with the earlier chance, statistics show the English team are the best fielding side in this competition.

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

A possible catch was not taken. Brits hammered a delivery back at Lauren Bell, that raced for four runs.

Second Over: South Africa 14-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 12, Brits 1)

Overcast conditions hovered over Guwahati, and the floodlights were switched on. Linsey Smith appeared more comfortable than in her previous match yet bowled a poor ball that Wolvaardt hit hard to the off-side boundary for four.

First Over: South Africa 9 for no wicket (Wolvaardt 8, Brits 0)

Bell opened the bowling with a fresh cherry. Wolvaardt immediately took advantage, driving the first ball elegantly past cover for four. Another wide delivery was slashed for another boundary. The bowler adjusted her length, yielding only a single from a wide.

Match Preview

The playing surface is said to be different compared to the previous track in the earlier match. It's been called a surface with red soil, promising extra bounce and assistance for the seamers.

The two sides have experienced inconsistent form throughout the tournament. England are seen as the front-runners, however the Proteas have the potential to cause an upset. Past records indicate that England have won both previous semi-final meetings when these teams met.

“Roll up your sleeves, this is where it gets messy.” The stakes are high as both teams aim for a place in the final.

Keep following for more updates as the match progresses.