🔗 Share this article

The highly anticipated semi-final between the English side and South Africa at the Women's World Cup has kicked off at the Guwahati stadium. England won the toss and opted to bowl, aiming to apply early pressure against their opponents' batting order.

Highlights

• Anthems were sung before the match, with the Proteas' uplifting song receiving acclaim.
• Playing XIs were announced with each team naming strong 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 take part despite a bit of pain.

Live Match Updates

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

Nat Sciver-Brunt brought herself on to replace Bell. Zero fours were conceded, due to some agile fielding from Beaumont on the boundary.

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

The South African opener, looking in great touch, hit two consecutive boundaries from Linsey Smith. One full-pitched delivery was dispatched through long off, followed by another poor delivery through the covers.

5th Over: The Proteas 27 for no wicket (Wolvaardt 14 runs, Brits 10 runs)

A brief mix-up almost resulted in Tazmin Brits a dismissal, however the fielding effort from Nat Sciver-Brunt missed the stumps. She then responded by smashing a ball outside off through the covers to the boundary. Lauren Bell finished the over with a well-pitched ball that bounced over Brits' bat.

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

Linsey Smith delivered a controlled over. Even with the earlier chance, statistics show that England are the best fielding side in the tournament.

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

A half-chance was not taken. Brits hammered a delivery toward Lauren Bell, which flew to the boundary.

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

Overcast conditions hovered over Guwahati, with the lights 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.

First Over: The Proteas 9-0 (Wolvaardt 8 runs, Tazmin Brits 0 runs)

Bell started the innings with a fresh cherry. The South African batter seized the opportunity, hitting the first ball elegantly through the covers for a boundary. Another wide delivery was slashed for four more runs. The bowler then tightened her line, allowing just one run off a wide ball.

Match Preview

The playing surface reportedly differs from the one used in the teams' first encounter. It's been called a surface with red soil, which should offer extra bounce and assistance for fast bowlers.

Both teams have had inconsistent form throughout the tournament. The English team are considered favourites, however South Africa are capable of springing a surprise. History shows that England have emerged victorious in both previous semi-final meetings when these teams met.

“Brace yourselves, things are about to get intense.” The pressure is on with both sides targeting a place in the final.

Keep following for further developments as this thrilling encounter progresses.