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The much-awaited semi-final between England and South Africa at the Women's World Cup has commenced in Guwahati. The English squad clinched the toss and chose to field first, hoping to apply early pressure against the South African batting lineup.

Notable Events

• Anthems were performed before the match, with South Africa's rousing anthem earning praise.
• Team Lineups were revealed and both sides fielding strong lineups.
• England won the toss and decided to field. Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt stressed the need for trusting the process.
• Ecclestone has been declared fit to play even with some discomfort.

Live Match Updates

Seventh Over: The Proteas 41-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 24 runs, Brits 13 runs)

Nat Sciver-Brunt took over the bowling to replace Lauren Bell. No boundaries were conceded, due to quick work in the field by Beaumont near the rope.

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

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

5th Over: The Proteas 27-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 14 runs, Tazmin Brits 10)

A moment of hesitation nearly cost Tazmin Brits her wicket, but the throw from NSB wasn't on target. She then responded with a powerful shot a wide delivery through the covers for four. Bell ended the over with a well-pitched ball that bounced over Brits' bat.

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

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

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

A half-chance went begging. Brits hammered a ball toward Bell, which flew to the boundary.

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

Overcast conditions hovered over Guwahati, and the floodlights in use. Smith seemed in better rhythm than in her previous match but bowled a loose delivery which Wolvaardt punished to the off-side boundary for a boundary.

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

Bell opened the bowling with a fresh cherry. The South African batter seized the opportunity, hitting the initial delivery elegantly past cover for four. Another wide delivery was cut for another boundary. Bell then tightened her line, yielding only a single from a wide.

Match Preview

The playing surface reportedly differs compared to the previous track in the teams' first encounter. It's been called a surface with red soil, promising extra bounce and assistance for the seamers.

The two sides have experienced mixed performances in the competition so far. England are seen as the front-runners, however South Africa have the potential to cause an upset. History shows that England have won earlier knockout clashes between the sides.

“Brace yourselves, things are about to get intense.” The stakes are high with both sides aim for a place in the final.

Stay tuned for more updates as this thrilling encounter progresses.