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The much-awaited semi-final between the English side and South Africa at the Women's World Cup has kicked off at the Guwahati stadium. The English squad clinched the toss and chose to field first, hoping to put pressure on the South African batting lineup.

Notable Events

• National anthems were performed prior to the start, with the Proteas' rousing anthem receiving acclaim.
• Team Lineups were revealed and each team fielding competitive elevens.
• England won the toss and decided to field. Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt emphasized the importance of trusting the process.
• Sophie Ecclestone is fit to take part even with a bit of pain.

In-Play Action

7th Over: The Proteas 41-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 24 runs, Brits 13 runs)

Nat Sciver-Brunt took over the bowling to replace Bell. No boundaries were given away, due to quick work in the field by Beaumont on the boundary.

Sixth Over: South Africa 35-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 22 runs, Tazmin Brits 10 runs)

Wolvaardt, looking in great touch, struck two consecutive boundaries off Smith. One full-pitched delivery was sent to the off-side boundary, followed by another poor delivery through cover point.

5th Over: The Proteas 27 for no wicket (Laura Wolvaardt 14, Tazmin Brits 10 runs)

A moment of hesitation nearly cost Brits a dismissal, however the throw by Nat Sciver-Brunt wasn't on target. She then replied with a powerful shot a ball outside off past cover to the boundary. Lauren Bell ended the over with a sharp delivery that bounced over Brits' bat.

Fourth Over: The Proteas 21 without loss (Wolvaardt 13, Tazmin Brits 6 runs)

Smith delivered a controlled over. Despite the previous opportunity, statistics show the English team have the top fielding record in this competition.

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

A half-chance was not taken. Tazmin Brits hammered a delivery toward Bell, that raced to the boundary.

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

Overcast conditions hovered over the venue, and the floodlights in use. Linsey Smith appeared more comfortable than in her previous match yet bowled a poor ball which Wolvaardt punished through the covers for four.

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

Lauren Bell opened the bowling with the new ball. Wolvaardt seized the opportunity, driving the initial delivery with style past cover for a boundary. Another wide delivery was cut for another boundary. Bell then tightened her line, yielding only a single off a wide ball.

Pre-Match Build-Up

The playing surface reportedly differs from the one used in the teams' first encounter. It's been called a surface with red soil, promising extra bounce and help for fast bowlers.

Both teams have experienced inconsistent form throughout the tournament. England are considered favourites, however the Proteas are capable to cause an upset. 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 as both teams targeting a spot in the championship match.

Keep following for more updates as this thrilling encounter progresses.