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The much-awaited semi-final featuring the English side and South Africa at the Women's World Cup is underway in Guwahati. The English squad won the toss and chose to field first, hoping to put pressure on their opponents' batting order.

Notable Events

• National anthems were performed prior to the start, with the Proteas' uplifting song receiving acclaim.
• Team Lineups were revealed and both sides naming strong elevens.
• The English team won the toss and chose to bowl. Captain NSB stressed the need for trusting the process.
• Sophie Ecclestone is fit to take part despite a bit of pain.

Live Match Updates

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

Nat Sciver-Brunt took over the bowling to replace Lauren Bell. No boundaries were given away, thanks 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 two consecutive boundaries from Smith. One full-pitched delivery was sent to the off-side boundary, and then another poor delivery through cover point.

5th Over: South Africa 27 for no wicket (Laura Wolvaardt 14, Tazmin Brits 10 runs)

A moment of hesitation almost resulted in Tazmin Brits a dismissal, however the fielding effort by Nat Sciver-Brunt wasn't on target. Brits then replied with a powerful shot a wide delivery past cover for four. Bell ended the over with a sharp delivery which rose past the bat.

4th Over: South Africa 21 without loss (Wolvaardt 13, Brits 6 runs)

Smith bowled a tidy over. Even with the previous opportunity, reports indicate the English team are the best fielding side in this competition.

Third Over: South Africa 19-0 (Wolvaardt 12 runs, Tazmin Brits 5)

A possible catch was not taken. Tazmin Brits hammered a delivery back at Bell, which flew for four runs.

Second Over: South Africa 14-0 (Wolvaardt 12 runs, Tazmin Brits 1)

Overcast conditions covered the venue, and the floodlights in use. Smith appeared more comfortable compared to earlier games yet served up a poor ball which Wolvaardt hit hard to the off-side boundary for four.

1st Over: South Africa 9-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 8, Brits 0 runs)

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 slashed for four more runs. The bowler adjusted her length, yielding only a single off a wide ball.

Match Preview

The playing surface reportedly differs 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 the seamers.

Both teams have had inconsistent form in the competition so far. The English team are seen as the front-runners, but South Africa are capable of springing a surprise. Past records indicate that England have won both previous semi-final meetings when these teams met.

“Brace yourselves, things are about to get intense.” The pressure is on as both teams aim for a place in the final.

Keep following for more updates as this thrilling encounter progresses.