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The eagerly awaited semi-final between the English side and the South African team at the Women's World Cup has commenced at the Guwahati stadium. England won the toss and chose to field first, hoping to apply early pressure against their opponents' batting order.

Highlights

• Anthems were sung prior to the start, and South Africa's uplifting anthem earning praise.
• Team Lineups were revealed with each team fielding competitive lineups.
• England secured the toss and chose to bowl. Skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt stressed the need for sticking to their plans.
• Sophie Ecclestone has been declared fit to take part even with some discomfort.

Live Match Updates

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

NSB took over the bowling to replace Bell. Zero fours were given away, due to quick work in the field from Tammy Beaumont near the rope.

6th Over: South Africa 35-0 (Wolvaardt 22 runs, Tazmin Brits 10)

The South African opener, who is in fine form, hit back-to-back boundaries from Smith. One full-pitched delivery was dispatched through long off, and then another poor delivery through cover point.

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

A moment of hesitation almost resulted in Tazmin Brits her wicket, but the fielding effort by NSB wasn't on target. Brits then replied by smashing a ball outside off through the covers to the boundary. Lauren Bell ended the over with a well-pitched ball that bounced past the bat.

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

Linsey Smith bowled a tidy over. Despite the previous opportunity, statistics show that England have the top fielding record in the tournament.

3rd Over: South Africa 19-0 (Wolvaardt 12 runs, Brits 5 runs)

A possible catch was not taken. Tazmin Brits struck fiercely a delivery back at Lauren Bell, which flew to the boundary.

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

Cloudy skies hovered over Guwahati, with the lights in use. Smith appeared more comfortable compared to earlier games yet bowled a poor ball that Wolvaardt punished to the off-side boundary for a boundary.

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

Lauren Bell started the innings with a fresh cherry. Wolvaardt seized the opportunity, hitting the first ball elegantly past cover for four. Another wide delivery was cut for another boundary. Bell then tightened her line, yielding only a single off a wide ball.

Pre-Match Build-Up

The pitch reportedly differs compared to the previous track in the teams' first encounter. It is described as a "red soil pitch", promising more bounce and help for fast bowlers.

The two sides have had mixed performances in the competition so far. The English team are seen as the front-runners, but the Proteas are capable of springing a surprise. History shows that England have won both previous semi-final meetings when these teams met.

“Brace yourselves, things are about to get intense.” The stakes are high as both teams aim for a place in the final.

Keep following for more updates as this thrilling encounter unfolds.