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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 clinched the toss and opted to bowl, aiming to put pressure on their opponents' batting order.

Key Moments

• National anthems were sung prior to the start, and the Proteas' uplifting song earning praise.
• Team Lineups were announced and both sides fielding competitive lineups.
• The English team secured the toss and chose to bowl. Skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt stressed the need for trusting the process.
• Sophie Ecclestone is fit to take part despite some discomfort.

In-Play Action

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

Nat Sciver-Brunt took over the bowling to replace Bell. Zero fours were conceded, due to some agile fielding from Beaumont near the rope.

6th Over: The Proteas 35-0 (Wolvaardt 22, Tazmin Brits 10 runs)

The South African opener, looking in great touch, struck back-to-back boundaries from Smith. One full-pitched delivery was dispatched to the off-side boundary, followed by another poor delivery through cover point.

5th Over: The Proteas 27-0 (Wolvaardt 14 runs, Brits 10)

A moment of hesitation nearly cost Brits her wicket, but the fielding effort from NSB wasn't on target. She then replied with a powerful shot a ball outside off past cover for four. Bell finished the over with a well-pitched ball that bounced over Brits' bat.

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

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

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

A possible catch was not taken. Brits struck fiercely a ball back at Bell, that raced to the boundary.

Second Over: The Proteas 14-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 12, Brits 1)

Cloudy skies covered Guwahati, with the lights were switched on. Linsey Smith appeared more comfortable than in her previous match yet served up a poor ball which Wolvaardt hit hard to the off-side boundary for a boundary.

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

Bell opened the bowling with a fresh cherry. Wolvaardt immediately took advantage, driving the first ball elegantly past cover for a boundary. A subsequent loose ball was cut for another boundary. Bell adjusted her length, yielding only a single off a wide ball.

Pre-Match Build-Up

The playing surface reportedly differs from the one used in the teams' first encounter. It's been called a "red soil pitch", which should offer extra bounce and assistance for the seamers.

Both teams have experienced inconsistent form throughout the tournament. The English team are seen as the front-runners, but South Africa have the potential of springing a surprise. History shows the English side have emerged victorious in earlier knockout clashes between the sides.

“Brace yourselves, things are about to get intense.” The stakes are high with both sides targeting a spot in the championship match.

Stay tuned for more updates as the match unfolds.