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The highly anticipated semi-final featuring England and the South African team at the Women's World Cup is underway at the Guwahati stadium. The English squad won the toss and opted to bowl, aiming to apply early pressure against the South African batting lineup.

Key Moments

• Anthems were performed before the match, with the Proteas' rousing anthem earning praise.
• Playing XIs were revealed with both sides fielding strong elevens.
• England won 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 a bit of pain.

In-Play Action

7th Over: The Proteas 41-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 24, Brits 13 runs)

Nat Sciver-Brunt brought herself on in place of Bell. No boundaries were given away, thanks to quick work in the field by Beaumont near the rope.

Sixth Over: South Africa 35 without loss (Wolvaardt 22 runs, Tazmin Brits 10 runs)

Wolvaardt, who is in fine form, hit back-to-back boundaries off Linsey Smith. A full toss was sent through long off, followed by a loose ball through cover point.

5th Over: South Africa 27 for no wicket (Laura Wolvaardt 14, Brits 10 runs)

A moment of hesitation almost resulted in Tazmin Brits a dismissal, however the throw from Nat Sciver-Brunt missed the stumps. She then responded by smashing a ball outside off through the covers for four. Bell ended the over with a sharp delivery that bounced over Brits' bat.

Fourth Over: The Proteas 21-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 13, Brits 6)

Smith bowled a tidy over. Even with the previous opportunity, statistics show the English team have the top fielding record in the tournament.

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

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

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

Cloudy skies covered the venue, with the lights were switched on. Linsey Smith appeared more comfortable than in her previous match but served up a poor ball which Wolvaardt hit hard to the off-side boundary for four.

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

Lauren Bell opened the bowling with the new ball. Wolvaardt immediately took advantage, driving the first ball with style through the covers for a boundary. A subsequent loose ball was slashed for four more runs. Bell then tightened her line, allowing just one run from a wide.

Pre-Match Build-Up

The playing surface is said to be different from the one used in the teams' first encounter. It is described as a surface with red soil, which should offer extra bounce and help for the seamers.

The two sides have had inconsistent form in the competition so far. The English team are considered favourites, however South Africa are capable to cause an upset. History shows that England have emerged victorious in 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.