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The eagerly awaited semi-final between England and the South African team in the Women’s Cricket World Cup has kicked off in Guwahati. The English squad clinched the toss and chose to field first, hoping to put pressure on their opponents' batting order.

Highlights

• National anthems were performed prior to the start, and South Africa's rousing song earning praise.
• Playing XIs were revealed and both sides fielding competitive lineups.
• The English team won the toss and chose to bowl. Skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt stressed the importance of trusting the process.
• Ecclestone has been declared fit to play even with some discomfort.

In-Play Action

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

NSB took over the bowling to replace Bell. Zero fours were conceded, due to some agile fielding from Tammy Beaumont near the rope.

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

The South African opener, who is in fine form, hit back-to-back boundaries from Linsey Smith. One full-pitched delivery was sent to the off-side boundary, and then another poor delivery through the covers.

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

A moment of hesitation almost resulted in Brits her wicket, but the throw from Nat Sciver-Brunt wasn't on target. She then responded by smashing a wide delivery through the covers for four. Bell finished the over with a well-pitched ball which rose over Brits' bat.

Fourth Over: South Africa 21-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 13, Brits 6)

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

Third Over: The Proteas 19 for no loss (Wolvaardt 12, Tazmin Brits 5)

A possible catch went begging. Tazmin Brits hammered a ball back at Bell, which flew to the boundary.

Second Over: The Proteas 14-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 12, Brits 1)

Cloudy skies hovered over Guwahati, with the lights in use. Smith seemed in better rhythm compared to earlier games yet served up a poor ball that Wolvaardt punished to the off-side boundary for a boundary.

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

Bell started the innings with a fresh cherry. Wolvaardt seized the opportunity, hitting the initial delivery elegantly past cover for a boundary. Another wide delivery was slashed for four more runs. Bell then tightened her line, allowing just one run from a wide.

Pre-Match Build-Up

The playing surface is said to be different compared to the previous track in the teams' first encounter. It is described as a surface with red soil, promising more bounce and assistance for the seamers.

Both teams have experienced mixed performances throughout the tournament. England are seen as the front-runners, but the Proteas have the potential to cause an upset. History shows the English side have won earlier knockout clashes between the sides.

“Brace yourselves, things are about to get intense.” The pressure is on with both sides targeting a spot in the championship match.

Stay tuned for further developments as this thrilling encounter unfolds.