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

Key Moments

• Anthems were sung prior to the start, with South Africa's rousing anthem earning praise.
• Team Lineups were revealed and each team fielding strong elevens.
• The English team secured the toss and chose to bowl. Skipper NSB emphasized the importance of sticking to their plans.
• Ecclestone is fit to take part even with a bit of pain.

In-Play Action

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

Nat Sciver-Brunt brought herself on in place of Lauren Bell. Zero fours were conceded, thanks to some agile fielding by Tammy Beaumont on the boundary.

6th Over: The Proteas 35 without loss (Wolvaardt 22 runs, Brits 10)

Wolvaardt, looking in great touch, hit back-to-back fours from Linsey Smith. One full-pitched delivery was dispatched to the off-side boundary, followed by a loose ball through the covers.

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

A moment of hesitation almost resulted in Tazmin Brits her wicket, but the fielding effort from Nat Sciver-Brunt missed the stumps. She then replied by smashing a ball outside off past cover to the boundary. Bell finished the over with a well-pitched ball which rose past the bat.

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

Linsey Smith delivered a controlled over. Even with the previous opportunity, statistics show that England have the top fielding record in this competition.

Third Over: The Proteas 19-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 12 runs, Brits 5)

A possible catch was not taken. Brits struck fiercely a delivery back at Bell, that raced to the boundary.

2nd Over: South Africa 14 without loss (Wolvaardt 12 runs, Tazmin Brits 1 run)

Cloudy skies hovered over the venue, with the lights in use. Linsey Smith appeared more comfortable than in her previous match yet served up a loose delivery which Wolvaardt punished to the off-side boundary for a boundary.

First Over: South Africa 9 for no wicket (Wolvaardt 8 runs, Brits 0)

Bell opened the bowling with a fresh cherry. Wolvaardt seized the opportunity, hitting the first ball elegantly through the covers for a boundary. Another wide delivery was slashed for another boundary. 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 earlier match. It is described as 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, but South Africa are capable to cause an upset. History shows the English side have emerged victorious in both previous semi-final meetings between the sides.

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

Keep following for further developments as this thrilling encounter unfolds.