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

Highlights

• Anthems were sung before the match, with the Proteas' uplifting song earning praise.
• Playing XIs were announced with each team fielding competitive elevens.
• England won the toss and decided to field. Skipper NSB emphasized the importance of sticking to their plans.
• Sophie Ecclestone has been declared fit to play even with some discomfort.

In-Play Action

7th Over: The Proteas 41 for no loss (Laura Wolvaardt 24 runs, Tazmin Brits 13)

Nat Sciver-Brunt took over the bowling in place of Bell. Zero fours were conceded, thanks to quick work in the field by Beaumont near the rope.

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

Wolvaardt, who is in fine form, hit back-to-back fours from Linsey Smith. One full-pitched delivery was dispatched through long off, followed by a loose ball through cover point.

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

A brief mix-up nearly cost Brits her wicket, however the throw from NSB missed the stumps. She then replied with a powerful shot a ball outside off past cover to the boundary. Lauren Bell finished the over with a well-pitched ball that bounced past the bat.

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

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

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

A half-chance went begging. Tazmin Brits hammered a ball toward Lauren Bell, which flew for four runs.

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

Cloudy skies hovered over the venue, with the lights were switched on. Smith appeared more comfortable than in her previous match but served up a poor ball that Wolvaardt punished to the off-side boundary for a boundary.

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

Bell started the innings with the new ball. Wolvaardt seized the opportunity, hitting the first ball with style past cover for four. A subsequent loose ball was cut for four more runs. The bowler then tightened her line, allowing just one run from a wide.

Pre-Match Build-Up

The playing surface is said to be different from the one used in the teams' first encounter. It is described as a surface with red soil, promising extra bounce and help for fast bowlers.

Both teams have experienced mixed performances in the competition so far. England are considered favourites, however the Proteas are capable of springing a surprise. Past records indicate the English side 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 targeting a spot in the championship match.

Keep following for further developments as this thrilling encounter unfolds.