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The eagerly awaited semi-final between England and South Africa at the Women's World Cup has kicked off in Guwahati. England won the toss and chose to field first, aiming to put pressure on the South African batting lineup.

Notable Events

• National anthems were sung before the match, with the Proteas' rousing song earning praise.
• Playing XIs were announced with both sides fielding strong lineups.
• England secured the toss and decided to field. Captain NSB emphasized the importance of sticking to their plans.
• Ecclestone has been declared fit to play despite a bit of pain.

Live Match Updates

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

NSB took over the bowling to replace Bell. No boundaries were conceded, thanks to some agile fielding from Beaumont on the boundary.

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

The South African opener, looking in great touch, struck two consecutive fours off Linsey Smith. A full toss was sent through long off, followed by a loose ball through cover point.

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

A brief mix-up nearly cost Brits a dismissal, however the throw by Nat Sciver-Brunt missed the stumps. She then responded with a powerful shot a wide delivery past cover to the boundary. Bell finished the over with a sharp delivery that bounced over Brits' bat.

4th Over: South Africa 21-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 13, Tazmin Brits 6 runs)

Linsey Smith delivered a controlled over. Despite the earlier chance, statistics show that England have the top fielding record in the tournament.

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

A possible catch was not taken. Tazmin Brits struck fiercely a ball toward Bell, that raced for four runs.

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

Cloudy skies hovered over the venue, and the floodlights in use. Smith seemed in better rhythm than in her previous match yet bowled a poor ball that Wolvaardt punished through the covers for four.

1st Over: The Proteas 9-0 (Wolvaardt 8 runs, Tazmin Brits 0 runs)

Lauren Bell opened the bowling with the new ball. Wolvaardt seized the opportunity, driving the first ball with style through the covers for a boundary. A subsequent loose ball was slashed for four more runs. Bell adjusted her length, yielding only a single from a wide.

Pre-Match Build-Up

The pitch reportedly differs compared to the previous track in the earlier match. It's been called a surface with red soil, promising extra bounce and assistance for fast bowlers.

Both teams have experienced inconsistent form in the competition so far. England are considered favourites, however South Africa have the potential to cause an upset. History shows the English side have emerged victorious in both previous semi-final meetings when these teams met.

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

Keep following for more updates as the match progresses.