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The highly anticipated semi-final between the English side and South Africa at the Women's World Cup has kicked off in Guwahati. The English squad clinched the toss and opted to bowl, aiming to put pressure on the South African batting lineup.

Notable Events

• National anthems were sung before the match, with South Africa's rousing anthem earning praise.
• Team Lineups were announced with both sides naming strong elevens.
• England won the toss and chose to bowl. Skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt stressed the need for sticking to their plans.
• Sophie Ecclestone has been declared fit to play even with some discomfort.

Live Match Updates

Seventh Over: The Proteas 41-0 (Wolvaardt 24, Brits 13 runs)

NSB took over the bowling in place of Lauren Bell. Zero fours were conceded, due to some agile fielding by Beaumont near the rope.

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

Wolvaardt, who is in fine form, hit back-to-back boundaries off Smith. One full-pitched delivery was dispatched through long off, and then another poor delivery through cover point.

Fifth Over: The Proteas 27-0 (Wolvaardt 14, Tazmin Brits 10 runs)

A moment of hesitation almost resulted in Brits her wicket, but the fielding effort by Nat Sciver-Brunt missed the stumps. She then responded with a powerful shot a wide delivery past cover for four. Lauren Bell finished the over with a well-pitched ball which rose over Brits' bat.

4th 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.

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

A half-chance went begging. Brits struck fiercely a ball toward Bell, which flew for four runs.

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

Overcast conditions covered the venue, and the floodlights were switched on. Linsey Smith seemed in better rhythm compared to earlier games but bowled a poor ball which Wolvaardt hit hard through the covers for four.

First Over: South Africa 9-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 8, Brits 0)

Lauren Bell started the innings with a fresh cherry. Wolvaardt immediately took advantage, hitting the first ball elegantly 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.

Match Preview

The pitch reportedly differs from the one used in the teams' first encounter. It's been called a "red soil pitch", which should offer more bounce and help for the seamers.

Both teams have had inconsistent form throughout the tournament. England are considered favourites, however the Proteas are capable of springing a surprise. History shows the English side have won both previous semi-final meetings between the sides.

“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 further developments as the match unfolds.