🔗 Share this article

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, aiming to put pressure on the South African batting lineup.

Key Moments

• Anthems were sung prior to the start, and the Proteas' uplifting anthem earning praise.
• Playing XIs were revealed and both sides fielding strong lineups.
• England won the toss and decided to field. Skipper NSB emphasized the need for trusting the process.
• Ecclestone has been declared fit to play despite a bit of pain.

Live Match Updates

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

NSB brought herself on in place of Lauren Bell. No boundaries were conceded, due to quick work in the field by Tammy Beaumont on the boundary.

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

The South African opener, looking in great touch, struck two consecutive boundaries off Linsey Smith. One full-pitched delivery was dispatched through long off, followed by another poor delivery through cover point.

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

A moment of hesitation almost resulted in Brits a dismissal, but the throw by NSB missed the stumps. She then responded with a powerful shot a ball outside off through the covers for four. Bell ended the over with a sharp delivery which rose over Brits' bat.

4th Over: South Africa 21 without loss (Laura Wolvaardt 13, Tazmin Brits 6 runs)

Linsey Smith delivered a controlled over. Even with the previous opportunity, statistics show that England are the best fielding side in this competition.

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

A possible catch went begging. Tazmin Brits struck fiercely a delivery back at Lauren Bell, that raced to the boundary.

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

Cloudy skies covered the venue, with the lights in use. Smith appeared more comfortable than in her previous match yet served up a poor ball which Wolvaardt punished to the off-side boundary for four.

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

Bell opened the bowling with a fresh cherry. The South African batter seized the opportunity, driving the first ball elegantly past cover for a boundary. A subsequent loose ball was cut for another boundary. Bell then tightened her line, allowing just one run off a wide ball.

Pre-Match Build-Up

The pitch 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 more bounce and help for fast bowlers.

The two sides have experienced mixed performances throughout the tournament. England are seen as the front-runners, however the Proteas have the potential of springing a surprise. 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 pressure is on as both teams targeting a spot in the championship match.

Stay tuned for further developments as the match unfolds.