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The much-awaited semi-final featuring England and South Africa at the Women's World Cup is underway at the Guwahati stadium. The English squad won the toss and opted to bowl, aiming to apply early pressure against the South African batting lineup.

Key Moments

• National anthems were performed before the match, and South Africa's uplifting song receiving acclaim.
• Team Lineups were revealed with each team fielding competitive lineups.
• The English team won the toss and decided to field. Captain NSB emphasized the importance of 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, Tazmin Brits 13)

NSB took over the bowling in place of Lauren Bell. Zero fours were conceded, due to quick work in the field from Beaumont on the boundary.

6th Over: The Proteas 35-0 (Wolvaardt 22 runs, Brits 10 runs)

The South African opener, looking in great touch, hit two consecutive boundaries off Linsey Smith. One full-pitched delivery was dispatched through long off, followed by another poor delivery through the covers.

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

A moment of hesitation nearly cost Brits her wicket, however the throw by NSB wasn't on target. She then replied by smashing a ball outside off through the covers to the boundary. Lauren Bell ended the over with a well-pitched ball which rose past the bat.

Fourth Over: The Proteas 21-0 (Wolvaardt 13 runs, Tazmin Brits 6)

Smith delivered a controlled over. Despite the previous opportunity, reports indicate that England have the top fielding record in the tournament.

Third Over: South Africa 19 for no loss (Laura Wolvaardt 12, Brits 5 runs)

A possible catch went begging. Brits hammered a ball toward Lauren Bell, that raced for four runs.

Second Over: South Africa 14-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 12 runs, Brits 1 run)

Overcast conditions covered Guwahati, with the lights in use. Linsey Smith seemed in better rhythm than in her previous match yet bowled a loose delivery that Wolvaardt punished through the covers for a boundary.

First Over: South Africa 9-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 8, Tazmin Brits 0)

Lauren Bell started the innings with a fresh cherry. Wolvaardt immediately took advantage, hitting the first ball with style past cover for four. A subsequent loose ball was cut 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 "red soil pitch", which should offer more bounce and assistance for fast bowlers.

Both teams have experienced mixed performances throughout the tournament. England are seen as the front-runners, however South Africa are capable of springing a surprise. History shows that England have emerged victorious in earlier knockout clashes between the sides.

“Brace yourselves, things are about to get intense.” The stakes are high as both teams targeting a spot in the championship match.

Keep following for further developments as this thrilling encounter progresses.