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The eagerly awaited semi-final featuring England and South Africa in the Women’s Cricket World Cup has kicked off in Guwahati. England clinched the toss and opted to bowl, hoping to put pressure on the South African batting lineup.

Key Moments

• National anthems were sung prior to the start, with South Africa's rousing anthem receiving acclaim.
• Team Lineups were announced with both sides fielding competitive lineups.
• The English team won the toss and decided to field. Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt emphasized the need for trusting the process.
• Sophie Ecclestone has been declared fit to play even with a bit of pain.

Live Match Updates

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

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

Sixth Over: South Africa 35 without loss (Wolvaardt 22 runs, Tazmin Brits 10)

The South African opener, looking in great touch, hit back-to-back boundaries off Linsey Smith. One full-pitched delivery was sent through long off, followed by another poor delivery through cover point.

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

A brief mix-up nearly cost Tazmin Brits her wicket, but the fielding effort from Nat Sciver-Brunt wasn't on target. Brits then replied by smashing a ball outside off past cover for four. Bell ended the over with a sharp delivery that bounced over Brits' bat.

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

Smith delivered a controlled over. Despite the earlier chance, reports indicate the English team are the best fielding side in this competition.

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

A half-chance went begging. Tazmin Brits hammered a ball back at Lauren Bell, that raced to the boundary.

2nd Over: South Africa 14 without loss (Wolvaardt 12, Tazmin Brits 1 run)

Cloudy skies hovered over Guwahati, and the floodlights were switched on. Linsey Smith appeared more comfortable than in her previous match but bowled a loose delivery which Wolvaardt punished to the off-side boundary for four.

1st Over: South Africa 9 for no wicket (Wolvaardt 8 runs, Brits 0 runs)

Lauren Bell started the innings with the new ball. The South African batter immediately took advantage, hitting the initial delivery with style through the covers for a boundary. A subsequent loose ball was cut for four more runs. Bell adjusted her length, 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's been called a "red soil pitch", which should offer extra bounce and help 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. Past records indicate the English side have won earlier knockout clashes when these teams met.

“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.