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The eagerly awaited semi-final featuring England and the South African team at the Women's World Cup is underway in Guwahati. The English squad clinched the toss and chose to field first, hoping to apply early pressure against their opponents' batting order.

Notable Events

• Anthems were performed prior to the start, and the Proteas' uplifting song earning praise.
• Playing XIs were revealed with each team fielding strong lineups.
• England secured the toss and decided to field. Skipper NSB emphasized the need for trusting the process.
• Ecclestone is fit to play even with some discomfort.

Live Match Updates

Seventh Over: South Africa 41-0 (Wolvaardt 24, Brits 13)

NSB took over the bowling in place of Lauren Bell. Zero fours were given away, thanks to some agile fielding from Tammy Beaumont near the rope.

6th Over: South Africa 35-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 22 runs, Tazmin Brits 10 runs)

Wolvaardt, looking in great touch, hit back-to-back boundaries off Linsey Smith. A full toss was sent to the off-side boundary, followed by a loose ball through the covers.

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

A moment of hesitation nearly cost Tazmin Brits her wicket, however the fielding effort from Nat Sciver-Brunt wasn't on target. She then replied by smashing a ball outside off past cover to the boundary. Lauren Bell finished the over with a sharp delivery which rose over Brits' bat.

Fourth Over: The Proteas 21-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 13 runs, Tazmin Brits 6)

Smith bowled a tidy over. Even with the earlier chance, reports indicate the English team have the top fielding record in the tournament.

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

A half-chance went begging. Brits hammered a delivery toward Lauren Bell, that raced for four runs.

2nd Over: The Proteas 14-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 12 runs, Brits 1)

Cloudy skies hovered over the venue, with the lights in use. Smith appeared more comfortable compared to earlier games but bowled a poor ball which Wolvaardt punished through the covers for a boundary.

1st Over: The Proteas 9 for no wicket (Laura Wolvaardt 8, Tazmin Brits 0 runs)

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 cut for four more runs. The bowler adjusted her length, yielding only a single off a wide ball.

Pre-Match Build-Up

The playing surface is said to be different from the one used in the earlier match. It is described as a "red soil pitch", which should offer more bounce and assistance for the seamers.

The two sides have had mixed performances throughout the tournament. England are seen as the front-runners, however the Proteas are capable to cause an upset. History shows that England have emerged victorious in earlier knockout clashes between the sides.

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

Keep following for more updates as the match unfolds.