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The much-awaited semi-final featuring England and South Africa at the Women's World Cup has commenced at the Guwahati stadium. England won the toss and opted to bowl, aiming to apply early pressure against their opponents' batting order.

Highlights

• National anthems were performed before the match, and the Proteas' rousing song receiving acclaim.
• Team Lineups were announced with both sides naming competitive elevens.
• England secured the toss and chose to bowl. Skipper NSB stressed the importance of sticking to their plans.
• Sophie Ecclestone is fit to take part even with some discomfort.

In-Play Action

7th Over: South Africa 41-0 (Wolvaardt 24, Brits 13 runs)

NSB brought herself on in place of Lauren Bell. Zero fours were conceded, thanks to some agile fielding from Tammy Beaumont near the rope.

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

Wolvaardt, looking in great touch, struck two consecutive fours from Linsey Smith. A full toss was sent to the off-side boundary, followed by a loose ball through cover point.

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

A moment of hesitation almost resulted in Brits her wicket, however the fielding effort from NSB missed the stumps. Brits then responded by smashing a wide delivery past cover for four. Bell finished the over with a sharp delivery which rose past the bat.

4th Over: The Proteas 21-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 13 runs, Tazmin Brits 6)

Linsey Smith delivered a controlled over. Even with the earlier chance, statistics show the English team have the top fielding record in this competition.

3rd Over: The Proteas 19-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 12, Brits 5 runs)

A possible catch went begging. Tazmin Brits struck fiercely a ball back at Lauren Bell, which flew for four runs.

2nd Over: South Africa 14 without loss (Wolvaardt 12, Brits 1)

Cloudy skies hovered over Guwahati, with the lights were switched on. Smith seemed in better rhythm than in her previous match but served up a loose delivery that Wolvaardt hit hard to the off-side boundary for a boundary.

1st Over: South Africa 9 for no wicket (Wolvaardt 8, Tazmin Brits 0 runs)

Lauren Bell opened the bowling with the new ball. The South African batter immediately took advantage, hitting the initial delivery elegantly through the covers for four. A subsequent loose ball was slashed for another boundary. The bowler adjusted her length, allowing just one run from a wide.

Pre-Match Build-Up

The pitch reportedly differs compared to the previous track in the teams' first encounter. It's been called a "red soil pitch", promising more bounce and assistance for the seamers.

Both teams have experienced inconsistent form in the competition so far. England are seen as the front-runners, however South Africa are capable to cause an upset. Past records indicate the English side have won both previous semi-final meetings when these teams met.

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

Keep following for more updates as the match progresses.