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The eagerly awaited semi-final featuring England and the South African team in the Women’s Cricket World Cup has commenced at the Guwahati stadium. The English squad clinched the toss and chose to field first, aiming to put pressure on the South African batting lineup.

Key Moments

• Anthems were sung before the match, with the Proteas' uplifting anthem earning praise.
• Playing XIs were revealed and both sides naming strong elevens.
• England won the toss and decided to field. Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt emphasized the need for trusting the process.
• Sophie Ecclestone has been declared fit to take part despite some discomfort.

Live Match Updates

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

Nat Sciver-Brunt took over the bowling to replace Bell. Zero fours were conceded, thanks to some agile fielding by Tammy 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 two consecutive boundaries off Smith. A full toss was sent to the off-side boundary, and then another poor delivery through the covers.

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

A brief mix-up almost resulted in Brits her wicket, but the throw from NSB missed the stumps. She then responded with a powerful shot a wide delivery through the covers to the boundary. Lauren Bell finished the over with a well-pitched ball that bounced past the bat.

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

Linsey Smith delivered a controlled over. Despite the previous opportunity, reports indicate that England are the best fielding side in this competition.

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

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

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

Cloudy skies covered the venue, and the floodlights in use. Smith seemed in better rhythm compared to earlier games but served up a loose delivery that Wolvaardt hit hard through the covers for a boundary.

1st Over: South Africa 9-0 (Wolvaardt 8 runs, Tazmin Brits 0)

Lauren Bell started the innings 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 slashed for four more runs. Bell then tightened her line, allowing just one run off a wide ball.

Match Preview

The playing surface is said to be different compared to the previous track in the earlier match. It's been called a "red soil pitch", which should offer more bounce and help for fast bowlers.

Both teams have experienced inconsistent form in the competition so far. The English team are considered favourites, however South Africa have the potential of springing a surprise. Past records indicate 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 with both sides aim for a place in the final.

Stay tuned for more updates as the match progresses.