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The highly anticipated semi-final featuring the English side and the South African team in the Women’s Cricket World Cup has commenced at the Guwahati stadium. England clinched the toss and chose to field first, aiming to put pressure on the South African batting lineup.

Notable Events

• Anthems were sung before the match, with the Proteas' uplifting song earning praise.
• Team Lineups were revealed and both sides naming strong lineups.
• The English team secured the toss and chose to bowl. Skipper NSB emphasized the importance of trusting the process.
• Sophie Ecclestone is fit to play even with a bit of pain.

Live Match Updates

Seventh Over: South Africa 41-0 (Wolvaardt 24, Brits 13)

NSB took over the bowling to replace Lauren Bell. Zero fours were conceded, due to quick work in the field by Tammy Beaumont near the rope.

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

Wolvaardt, looking in great touch, struck back-to-back fours from Linsey Smith. A full toss was sent through long off, and then a loose ball through the covers.

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

A brief mix-up almost resulted in Brits her wicket, but the fielding effort by Nat Sciver-Brunt wasn't on target. She then replied with a powerful shot a ball outside off through the covers to the boundary. Bell finished the over with a sharp delivery that bounced past the bat.

4th Over: The Proteas 21 without loss (Laura Wolvaardt 13 runs, Tazmin Brits 6)

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

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

A half-chance was not taken. Tazmin Brits struck fiercely a delivery back at Bell, that raced for four runs.

2nd Over: South Africa 14-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 12 runs, Brits 1 run)

Overcast conditions covered Guwahati, with the lights in use. Smith seemed in better rhythm than in her previous match yet served up a poor ball that Wolvaardt punished to the off-side boundary for a boundary.

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

Bell opened the bowling with the new ball. Wolvaardt immediately took advantage, hitting the initial delivery elegantly through the covers for a boundary. A subsequent loose ball was cut for another boundary. Bell then tightened her line, allowing just one run off a wide ball.

Match Preview

The playing surface reportedly differs compared to the previous track in the earlier match. It is described as a surface with red soil, promising more bounce and assistance for the seamers.

Both teams have experienced mixed performances in the competition so far. England are seen as the front-runners, but South Africa are capable of springing a surprise. History shows the English side have won earlier knockout clashes between the sides.

“Roll up your sleeves, this is where it gets messy.” The stakes are high with both sides aim for a spot in the championship match.

Stay tuned for further developments as this thrilling encounter progresses.