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The eagerly awaited semi-final between the English side and the South African team in the Women’s Cricket World Cup has kicked off in Guwahati. England won the toss and chose to field first, hoping to put pressure on the South African batting lineup.

Notable Events

• National anthems were sung before the match, and the Proteas' rousing anthem receiving acclaim.
• Team Lineups were revealed and each team naming strong lineups.
• England won the toss and decided to field. Skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt stressed the importance of sticking to their plans.
• Sophie Ecclestone has been declared fit to take part even with a bit of pain.

Live Match Updates

Seventh Over: South Africa 41 for no loss (Laura Wolvaardt 24, Tazmin Brits 13)

NSB took over the bowling in place of Lauren Bell. No boundaries were given away, due to quick work in the field by Tammy Beaumont on the boundary.

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

Wolvaardt, looking in great touch, hit back-to-back fours from Smith. One full-pitched delivery was dispatched to the off-side boundary, followed by another poor delivery through the covers.

5th Over: South Africa 27-0 (Wolvaardt 14, Tazmin Brits 10)

A moment of hesitation nearly cost Tazmin Brits a dismissal, however the throw by Nat Sciver-Brunt wasn't on target. Brits then responded by smashing a ball outside off past cover for four. Bell finished the over with a well-pitched ball that bounced over Brits' bat.

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

Linsey Smith bowled a tidy over. Despite the earlier chance, statistics show that England have the top fielding record in this competition.

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

A half-chance went begging. Brits struck fiercely a delivery back at Lauren Bell, that raced for four runs.

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

Cloudy skies hovered over the venue, with the lights were switched on. Smith seemed in better rhythm compared to earlier games but bowled a loose delivery which Wolvaardt punished to the off-side boundary for four.

1st Over: The Proteas 9-0 (Wolvaardt 8 runs, Tazmin Brits 0)

Lauren Bell opened the bowling with the new ball. The South African batter immediately took advantage, hitting the first ball elegantly past cover for a boundary. Another wide delivery was cut for four more runs. The bowler then tightened her line, allowing just one run off a wide ball.

Match Preview

The playing surface is said to be different from the one used in the earlier match. It's been called a surface with red soil, which should offer more bounce and assistance for the seamers.

The two sides have experienced mixed performances in the competition so far. The English team are considered favourites, but the Proteas have the potential to cause an upset. History shows the English side have emerged victorious in both previous semi-final meetings between the sides.

“Roll up your sleeves, this is where it gets messy.” The pressure is on as both teams aim for a spot in the championship match.

Stay tuned for more updates as the match unfolds.