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The eagerly awaited semi-final featuring the English side and the South African team in the Women’s Cricket World Cup has commenced at the Guwahati stadium. England 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, with the Proteas' uplifting anthem receiving acclaim.
• Playing XIs were revealed and each team fielding competitive elevens.
• The English team secured the toss and chose to bowl. Skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt emphasized the need for sticking to their plans.
• Sophie Ecclestone has been declared fit to take part despite some discomfort.

In-Play Action

7th Over: South Africa 41 for no loss (Laura Wolvaardt 24 runs, Tazmin Brits 13)

Nat Sciver-Brunt took over the bowling to replace Bell. No boundaries were given away, due to quick work in the field from Tammy Beaumont near the rope.

6th Over: South Africa 35-0 (Wolvaardt 22, Tazmin Brits 10)

The South African opener, looking in great touch, struck back-to-back fours from Linsey Smith. One full-pitched delivery was dispatched to the off-side boundary, and then a loose ball through the covers.

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

A brief mix-up nearly cost Brits a dismissal, but the throw by Nat Sciver-Brunt missed the stumps. She then replied with a powerful shot a wide delivery through the covers to the boundary. Bell finished the over with a sharp delivery which rose over Brits' bat.

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

Smith delivered a controlled over. Despite the previous opportunity, statistics show the English team are the best fielding side in the tournament.

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

A half-chance was not taken. Tazmin Brits hammered a ball toward Lauren Bell, which flew for four runs.

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

Cloudy skies covered the venue, and the floodlights were switched on. Smith appeared more comfortable than in her previous match yet bowled a poor ball which Wolvaardt punished to the off-side boundary for four.

1st Over: The Proteas 9 for no wicket (Laura Wolvaardt 8 runs, Brits 0 runs)

Lauren Bell opened the bowling with the new ball. The South African batter immediately took advantage, driving the initial delivery with style past cover for four. Another wide delivery was slashed for four more runs. The bowler adjusted her length, yielding only a single from a wide.

Match Preview

The playing surface is said to be different from the one used in the teams' first encounter. It's been called a "red soil pitch", promising extra bounce and assistance for fast bowlers.

The two sides have had mixed performances throughout the tournament. England are considered favourites, but the Proteas are capable to cause an upset. Past records indicate the English side have emerged victorious in both previous semi-final meetings between the sides.

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

Stay tuned for further developments as the match progresses.