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The eagerly awaited semi-final featuring the English side and the South African team in the Women’s Cricket World Cup has kicked off at the Guwahati stadium. England clinched the toss and chose to field first, aiming to put pressure on their opponents' batting order.

Key Moments

• Anthems were performed before the match, with South Africa's rousing song receiving acclaim.
• Team Lineups were announced and each team naming strong lineups.
• The English team secured the toss and decided to field. Captain NSB stressed the need for trusting the process.
• Sophie Ecclestone is fit to play despite a bit of pain.

In-Play Action

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

Nat Sciver-Brunt brought herself on to replace Bell. No boundaries were given away, thanks to some agile fielding by Tammy Beaumont near the rope.

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

Wolvaardt, looking in great touch, hit two consecutive fours from Smith. A full toss was sent through long off, followed by a loose ball through cover point.

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

A brief mix-up nearly cost Brits a dismissal, but the throw from Nat Sciver-Brunt missed the stumps. Brits then responded with a powerful shot a ball outside off through the covers for four. Bell finished the over with a well-pitched ball which rose over Brits' bat.

Fourth Over: South Africa 21 without loss (Laura Wolvaardt 13 runs, Tazmin Brits 6 runs)

Smith delivered a controlled over. Even with the previous opportunity, reports indicate the English team have the top fielding record in the tournament.

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

A possible catch was not taken. Tazmin Brits struck fiercely a delivery toward Bell, that raced to the boundary.

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

Overcast conditions hovered over Guwahati, and the floodlights in use. Smith seemed in better rhythm than in her previous match but bowled a poor ball that Wolvaardt hit hard through the covers for four.

First Over: South Africa 9-0 (Wolvaardt 8 runs, Brits 0 runs)

Bell started the innings with a fresh cherry. The South African batter seized the opportunity, hitting the initial delivery elegantly past cover for a boundary. Another wide delivery was slashed for four more runs. The bowler adjusted her length, yielding only a single off a wide ball.

Match Preview

The pitch is said to be different from the one used in the teams' first encounter. It is described as a "red soil pitch", which should offer extra bounce and assistance for fast bowlers.

Both teams have had inconsistent form throughout the tournament. England are seen as the front-runners, but South Africa have the potential to cause an upset. Past records indicate the English side have emerged victorious in both previous semi-final meetings between the sides.

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

Stay tuned for further developments as this thrilling encounter unfolds.