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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. The English squad clinched the toss and chose to field first, hoping to apply early pressure against the South African batting lineup.

Key Moments

• Anthems were performed before the match, and the Proteas' rousing anthem earning praise.
• Team Lineups were announced and each team naming competitive elevens.
• England secured the toss and chose to bowl. Skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt stressed the importance of sticking to their plans.
• Ecclestone is fit to take part even with some discomfort.

In-Play Action

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

Nat Sciver-Brunt took over the bowling to replace Bell. No boundaries were conceded, due to some agile fielding from Beaumont on the boundary.

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

Wolvaardt, who is in fine form, struck two consecutive fours from Linsey Smith. One full-pitched delivery was sent through long off, and then a loose ball through the covers.

Fifth Over: South Africa 27-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 14 runs, Brits 10)

A moment of hesitation almost resulted in Brits her wicket, but the fielding effort by NSB wasn't on target. Brits then replied with a powerful shot a wide delivery through the covers for four. Bell ended the over with a well-pitched ball which rose over Brits' bat.

Fourth Over: The Proteas 21 without loss (Laura Wolvaardt 13, Brits 6 runs)

Linsey Smith delivered a controlled over. Even with the previous opportunity, statistics show that England have the top fielding record in this competition.

Third Over: The Proteas 19-0 (Wolvaardt 12 runs, Tazmin Brits 5)

A possible catch was not taken. Tazmin Brits struck fiercely a delivery toward Bell, which flew for four runs.

2nd Over: The Proteas 14-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 12, Brits 1 run)

Overcast conditions hovered over Guwahati, with the lights in use. Smith seemed in better rhythm than in her previous match but bowled a loose delivery that Wolvaardt punished to the off-side boundary for four.

1st Over: The Proteas 9 for no wicket (Wolvaardt 8, Brits 0)

Bell opened the bowling with the new ball. The South African batter seized the opportunity, hitting the initial delivery with style through the covers for four. Another wide delivery was cut for another boundary. The bowler adjusted her length, allowing just one run off a wide ball.

Match Preview

The pitch reportedly differs compared to the previous track in the earlier match. It's been called a "red soil pitch", which should offer extra bounce and help for fast bowlers.

Both teams have had inconsistent form in the competition so far. The English team are seen as the front-runners, but the Proteas are capable to cause an upset. Past records indicate the English side have emerged victorious in earlier knockout clashes when these teams met.

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

Keep following for further developments as this thrilling encounter unfolds.