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The eagerly awaited semi-final featuring the English side and South Africa in the Women’s Cricket World Cup has kicked off in Guwahati. The English squad clinched the toss and opted to bowl, aiming to apply early pressure against the South African batting lineup.

Notable Events

• National anthems were performed prior to the start, with South Africa's uplifting song earning praise.
• Team Lineups were revealed with each team fielding strong lineups.
• The English team secured the toss and decided to field. Skipper NSB emphasized the importance of sticking to their plans.
• Ecclestone is fit to take part despite a bit of pain.

Live Match Updates

Seventh Over: The Proteas 41 for no loss (Wolvaardt 24, Tazmin Brits 13)

NSB brought herself on in place of Bell. Zero fours were conceded, due to some agile fielding by Beaumont on the boundary.

Sixth Over: The Proteas 35 without loss (Wolvaardt 22 runs, Tazmin Brits 10 runs)

Wolvaardt, looking in great touch, hit two consecutive boundaries from Smith. A full toss was dispatched to the off-side boundary, and then a loose ball through the covers.

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

A moment of hesitation almost resulted in Brits a dismissal, however the fielding effort from NSB missed the stumps. Brits then responded with a powerful shot a wide delivery past cover to the boundary. Bell finished the over with a sharp delivery which rose over Brits' bat.

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

Smith delivered a controlled over. Despite the earlier chance, statistics show the English team have the top fielding record in this competition.

3rd Over: The Proteas 19 for no loss (Wolvaardt 12 runs, Tazmin Brits 5 runs)

A possible catch was not taken. Brits hammered a delivery back at Bell, which flew to the boundary.

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

Overcast conditions covered Guwahati, with the lights were switched on. Linsey Smith appeared more comfortable compared to earlier games yet bowled a poor ball that Wolvaardt punished to the off-side boundary for a boundary.

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

Bell opened the bowling with the new ball. Wolvaardt immediately took advantage, driving the initial delivery with style past cover for a boundary. A subsequent loose ball was cut for another boundary. The bowler then tightened her line, yielding only a single from a wide.

Match Preview

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 more bounce and help for fast bowlers.

Both teams have experienced inconsistent form in the competition so far. The English team are considered favourites, however the Proteas are capable of springing a surprise. History shows the English side have emerged victorious in both previous semi-final meetings between the sides.

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

Keep following for further developments as this thrilling encounter progresses.