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The eagerly awaited semi-final between England and the South African team at the Women's World Cup has commenced at the Guwahati stadium. England won the toss and opted to bowl, aiming to put pressure on their opponents' batting order.

Highlights

• National anthems were sung before the match, with the Proteas' rousing anthem earning praise.
• Playing XIs were revealed with both sides naming strong elevens.
• England won the toss and decided to field. Skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt stressed the need for trusting the process.
• Ecclestone has been declared fit to play even with some discomfort.

Live Match Updates

7th Over: The Proteas 41 for no loss (Laura Wolvaardt 24 runs, Brits 13 runs)

Nat Sciver-Brunt brought herself on to replace Bell. No boundaries were given away, thanks to some agile fielding by Beaumont on the boundary.

Sixth Over: The Proteas 35 without loss (Laura Wolvaardt 22 runs, Tazmin Brits 10)

Wolvaardt, who is in fine form, hit back-to-back boundaries off Smith. A full toss was dispatched to the off-side boundary, followed by another poor delivery through the covers.

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

A brief mix-up nearly cost Tazmin Brits her wicket, but the fielding effort by NSB missed the stumps. She then responded with a powerful shot a ball outside off past cover for four. Lauren Bell ended the over with a sharp delivery which rose past the bat.

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

Smith bowled a tidy over. Even with the earlier chance, reports indicate that England are the best fielding side in the tournament.

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

A possible catch went begging. Tazmin Brits hammered a delivery toward Lauren Bell, that raced for four runs.

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

Cloudy skies hovered over Guwahati, with the lights in use. Linsey Smith seemed in better rhythm compared to earlier games but bowled a poor ball that Wolvaardt hit hard to the off-side boundary for a boundary.

First Over: South Africa 9-0 (Wolvaardt 8 runs, Brits 0 runs)

Bell opened the bowling with the new ball. Wolvaardt immediately took advantage, hitting the first ball elegantly through the covers for four. Another wide delivery was slashed for four more runs. The bowler adjusted her length, yielding only a single from a wide.

Pre-Match Build-Up

The playing surface reportedly differs from the one used in the earlier match. It is described as a surface with red soil, which should offer more bounce and help for the seamers.

The two sides have had mixed performances 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 further developments as this thrilling encounter progresses.