🔗 Share this article

The eagerly awaited semi-final featuring the English side and South Africa at the Women's World Cup has commenced at the Guwahati stadium. The English squad clinched the toss and chose to field first, hoping to apply early pressure against the South African batting lineup.

Notable Events

• Anthems were performed before the match, and the Proteas' rousing anthem earning praise.
• Team Lineups were revealed and both sides fielding competitive elevens.
• The English team secured the toss and decided to field. Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt emphasized the importance of sticking to their plans.
• Ecclestone has been declared fit to play even with a bit of pain.

Live Match Updates

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

NSB brought herself on to replace Lauren Bell. Zero fours were given away, thanks to some agile fielding from Beaumont on the boundary.

6th Over: The Proteas 35 without loss (Wolvaardt 22, Brits 10 runs)

Wolvaardt, who is in fine form, struck back-to-back fours from Linsey Smith. One full-pitched delivery was dispatched to the off-side boundary, and then another poor delivery through the covers.

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

A brief mix-up nearly cost Tazmin Brits her wicket, however the fielding effort from NSB missed the stumps. Brits then replied with a powerful shot a ball outside off past cover for four. Lauren Bell finished the over with a well-pitched ball which rose over Brits' bat.

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

Linsey Smith delivered a controlled over. Even with the earlier chance, statistics show that England are the best fielding side in the tournament.

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

A possible catch was not taken. Brits hammered a delivery toward Bell, that raced to the boundary.

Second Over: The Proteas 14-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 12 runs, Tazmin Brits 1 run)

Overcast conditions hovered over the venue, and the floodlights were switched on. Linsey Smith seemed in better rhythm than in her previous match but bowled a poor ball that Wolvaardt hit hard to the off-side boundary for a boundary.

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

Lauren Bell opened the bowling with the new ball. The South African batter seized the opportunity, hitting the first ball with style through the covers for a boundary. Another wide delivery was slashed for another boundary. Bell then tightened her line, allowing just one run off a wide ball.

Match Preview

The pitch is said to be different from the one used in the teams' first encounter. It's been called a "red soil pitch", which should offer more bounce and help for the seamers.

The two sides have experienced mixed performances in the competition so far. England are considered favourites, however South Africa are capable of springing a surprise. History shows that England have won 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.

Keep following for more updates as the match progresses.