England versus The Proteas: Women's Cricket World Cup Semi-Final

The much-awaited knockout match featuring the English side and the South African team at the Women's World Cup has kicked off at the Guwahati stadium. England clinched the toss and chose to field first, hoping to apply early pressure against the South African batting lineup.

Key Moments

• Anthems were sung before the match, and South Africa's rousing anthem receiving acclaim.
• Team Lineups were revealed and each team naming competitive lineups.
• The English team won the toss and decided to field. Skipper NSB emphasized the need for trusting the process.
• Ecclestone is fit to take part despite some discomfort.

In-Play Action

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

NSB took over the bowling in place of Lauren Bell. No boundaries were given away, due to quick work in the field from Beaumont on the boundary.

6th Over: The Proteas 35 without loss (Laura Wolvaardt 22, Brits 10 runs)

The South African opener, who is in fine form, struck back-to-back boundaries off Smith. One full-pitched delivery was sent to the off-side boundary, followed by a loose ball through the covers.

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

A brief mix-up almost resulted in Brits her wicket, but the fielding effort by Nat Sciver-Brunt missed the stumps. She then replied with a powerful shot a wide delivery through the covers for four. Lauren Bell ended the over with a well-pitched ball that bounced past the bat.

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

Linsey Smith delivered a controlled over. Even with the earlier chance, statistics show that England have the top fielding record in this competition.

3rd Over: South Africa 19 for no loss (Wolvaardt 12, Brits 5 runs)

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

2nd Over: The Proteas 14-0 (Wolvaardt 12 runs, Tazmin Brits 1 run)

Overcast conditions hovered over Guwahati, and the floodlights were switched on. Smith seemed in better rhythm than in her previous match but served up a poor ball which Wolvaardt hit hard to the off-side boundary for a boundary.

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

Lauren Bell opened the bowling with a fresh cherry. The South African batter 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 pitch 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 help for the seamers.

The two sides have had mixed performances in the competition so far. The English team are considered favourites, however South Africa are capable of springing a surprise. History shows the English side have emerged victorious in 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.

Stay tuned for more updates as this thrilling encounter progresses.