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The highly anticipated semi-final featuring the English side and the South African team in the Women’s Cricket World Cup has commenced at the Guwahati stadium. England won the toss and chose to field first, hoping to apply early pressure against the South African batting lineup.

Key Moments

• Anthems were sung prior to the start, and South Africa's rousing song receiving acclaim.
• Team Lineups were revealed and each team fielding competitive lineups.
• England won the toss and decided to field. Skipper NSB emphasized the importance of trusting the process.
• Ecclestone has been declared fit to play even with a bit of pain.

In-Play Action

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

NSB brought herself on to replace Lauren Bell. No boundaries were given away, thanks to some agile fielding by Tammy Beaumont near the rope.

Sixth Over: South Africa 35 without loss (Wolvaardt 22 runs, Tazmin Brits 10)

Wolvaardt, who is in fine form, hit back-to-back boundaries off Smith. A full toss was dispatched through long off, and then a loose ball through the covers.

5th Over: South Africa 27 for no wicket (Laura Wolvaardt 14, Tazmin Brits 10 runs)

A brief mix-up nearly cost Tazmin Brits her wicket, however the throw by Nat Sciver-Brunt missed the stumps. She then responded by smashing a wide delivery through the covers for four. Bell finished the over with a well-pitched ball that bounced past the bat.

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

Linsey Smith bowled a tidy over. Despite the previous opportunity, statistics show the English team have the top fielding record in this competition.

3rd Over: The Proteas 19-0 (Wolvaardt 12, Brits 5 runs)

A half-chance went begging. Tazmin Brits hammered a delivery back at Bell, which flew to the boundary.

2nd Over: The Proteas 14 without loss (Wolvaardt 12, Brits 1)

Overcast conditions hovered over the venue, with the lights in use. Smith seemed in better rhythm compared to earlier games but served up a poor ball that Wolvaardt hit hard through the covers for a boundary.

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

Lauren Bell opened the bowling with the new ball. Wolvaardt immediately took advantage, hitting the first ball with style past cover for four. Another wide delivery was slashed for four more runs. The bowler then tightened her line, yielding only a single off a wide ball.

Pre-Match Build-Up

The pitch is said to be different compared to the previous track in the teams' first encounter. It's been called a surface with red soil, promising more bounce and help for fast bowlers.

Both teams have had mixed performances in the competition so far. England are seen as the front-runners, however South Africa are capable of springing a surprise. Past records indicate the English side have emerged victorious in earlier knockout clashes when these teams met.

“Roll up your sleeves, this is where it gets messy.” The pressure is on with both sides aim for a spot in the championship match.

Keep following for further developments as this thrilling encounter unfolds.