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The highly anticipated semi-final between England and the South African team in the Women’s Cricket World Cup is underway in Guwahati. The English squad won the toss and chose to field first, aiming to put pressure on their opponents' batting order.

Notable Events

• Anthems were sung before the match, and the Proteas' uplifting song earning praise.
• Team Lineups were announced with each team naming strong lineups.
• The English team secured the toss and decided to field. Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt stressed the importance of sticking to their plans.
• Sophie Ecclestone has been declared fit to play even with a bit of pain.

Live Match Updates

7th Over: The Proteas 41 for no loss (Laura Wolvaardt 24, Brits 13)

Nat Sciver-Brunt brought herself on in place of Bell. No boundaries were conceded, due to quick work in the field by Beaumont on the boundary.

Sixth Over: The Proteas 35 without loss (Laura Wolvaardt 22, Brits 10)

The South African opener, who is in fine form, struck back-to-back fours from Linsey Smith. One full-pitched delivery was dispatched through long off, followed by a loose ball through cover point.

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

A moment of hesitation almost resulted in Brits her wicket, but the fielding effort from Nat Sciver-Brunt wasn't on target. She then replied by smashing a wide delivery through the covers to the boundary. Bell finished the over with a sharp delivery which rose over Brits' bat.

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

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

3rd Over: The Proteas 19 for no loss (Laura Wolvaardt 12, Brits 5)

A possible catch went begging. Tazmin Brits hammered a delivery toward Bell, which flew for four runs.

Second Over: The Proteas 14 without loss (Laura Wolvaardt 12, Tazmin Brits 1)

Cloudy skies covered Guwahati, with the lights were switched on. Linsey Smith appeared more comfortable compared to earlier games but served up a poor ball which Wolvaardt punished to the off-side boundary for four.

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

Bell started the innings 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 four more runs. The bowler adjusted her length, yielding only a single from a wide.

Pre-Match Build-Up

The playing surface is said to be different compared to the previous track in the earlier match. It is described as a surface with red soil, which should offer more bounce and help for the seamers.

The two sides have had mixed performances in the competition so far. England are seen as the front-runners, but South Africa have the potential of springing a surprise. Past records indicate the English side have emerged victorious in both previous semi-final meetings when these teams met.

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

Stay tuned for further developments as the match progresses.