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The much-awaited semi-final featuring England and South Africa at the Women's World Cup has kicked off at the Guwahati stadium. England clinched the toss and opted to bowl, hoping to apply early pressure against the South African batting lineup.

Highlights

• Anthems were performed before the match, and South Africa's uplifting song earning praise.
• Playing XIs were announced and both sides fielding competitive lineups.
• England secured the toss and decided to field. Captain NSB stressed the need for trusting the process.
• Sophie Ecclestone has been declared fit to play even with a bit of pain.

Live Match Updates

Seventh Over: The Proteas 41 for no loss (Wolvaardt 24 runs, Brits 13)

Nat Sciver-Brunt brought herself on to replace Bell. No boundaries were conceded, thanks to quick work in the field by Tammy Beaumont on the boundary.

6th Over: The Proteas 35-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 22 runs, Brits 10 runs)

Wolvaardt, looking in great touch, hit two consecutive boundaries off Smith. One full-pitched delivery was dispatched through long off, and then a loose ball through cover point.

5th Over: The Proteas 27-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 14 runs, Brits 10)

A brief mix-up almost resulted in Tazmin Brits her wicket, but the throw by NSB wasn't on target. She then replied with a powerful shot a wide delivery through the covers for four. Lauren Bell finished the over with a sharp delivery that bounced over Brits' bat.

4th Over: South Africa 21-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 13 runs, Brits 6 runs)

Linsey Smith bowled a tidy over. Even with the previous opportunity, statistics show the English team have the top fielding record in the tournament.

3rd Over: The Proteas 19 for no loss (Laura Wolvaardt 12, Tazmin Brits 5 runs)

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

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

Cloudy skies hovered over Guwahati, and the floodlights in use. Smith appeared more comfortable than in her previous match yet bowled a loose delivery which Wolvaardt hit hard to the off-side boundary for a boundary.

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

Bell started the innings with a fresh cherry. The South African batter seized the opportunity, hitting the first ball with style through the covers for four. Another wide delivery was slashed for another boundary. The bowler then tightened her line, yielding only a single off a wide ball.

Pre-Match Build-Up

The playing surface is said to be different compared to the previous track in the earlier match. It's been called a "red soil pitch", promising more bounce and help for fast bowlers.

The two sides have experienced inconsistent form throughout the tournament. The English team are considered favourites, but the Proteas are capable of springing a surprise. History shows the English side have emerged victorious in earlier knockout clashes between the sides.

“Brace yourselves, things are about to get intense.” The stakes are high as both teams targeting a place in the final.

Stay tuned for further developments as the match progresses.