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The much-awaited semi-final featuring the English side and South Africa at the Women's World Cup has commenced in Guwahati. The English squad clinched the toss and opted to bowl, hoping to put pressure on their opponents' batting order.

Highlights

• National anthems were performed prior to the start, and the Proteas' uplifting anthem receiving acclaim.
• Playing XIs were revealed with both sides naming strong lineups.
• The English team secured the toss and chose to bowl. Skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt stressed the importance of sticking to their plans.
• Sophie Ecclestone has been declared fit to take part even with a bit of pain.

Live Match Updates

7th Over: South Africa 41-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 24 runs, Tazmin Brits 13)

Nat Sciver-Brunt took over the bowling in place of Bell. No boundaries were given away, due to some agile fielding from Beaumont near the rope.

6th Over: South Africa 35 without loss (Laura Wolvaardt 22, Brits 10)

Wolvaardt, looking in great touch, struck back-to-back boundaries from Linsey Smith. A full toss was dispatched to the off-side boundary, and then another poor delivery through cover point.

5th Over: South Africa 27-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 14 runs, Brits 10)

A moment of hesitation almost resulted in Brits her wicket, but the throw from NSB missed the stumps. Brits then responded with a powerful shot a wide delivery past cover to the boundary. Lauren Bell ended the over with a well-pitched ball which rose past the bat.

4th Over: The Proteas 21-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 13, Brits 6)

Smith delivered a controlled over. Despite the previous opportunity, reports indicate that England are the best fielding side in this competition.

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

A half-chance was not taken. Tazmin Brits struck fiercely a ball toward Bell, that raced for four runs.

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

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

First Over: The Proteas 9-0 (Wolvaardt 8 runs, Brits 0 runs)

Lauren Bell opened the bowling with a fresh cherry. Wolvaardt immediately took advantage, driving the first ball elegantly through the covers for a boundary. Another wide delivery was slashed for another boundary. Bell adjusted her length, yielding only a single from a wide.

Match Preview

The pitch reportedly differs from the one used 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 had mixed performances in the competition so far. England are considered favourites, but South Africa are capable to cause an upset. Past records indicate that England 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 with both sides targeting a place in the final.

Keep following for further developments as this thrilling encounter progresses.