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The highly anticipated semi-final featuring England and South Africa at the Women's World Cup has kicked off in Guwahati. The English squad clinched the toss and chose to field first, aiming to apply early pressure against the South African batting lineup.

Key Moments

• Anthems were sung prior to the start, with South Africa's rousing anthem earning praise.
• Team Lineups were announced with both sides naming competitive lineups.
• The English team secured the toss and chose to bowl. Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt stressed the need for trusting the process.
• Ecclestone is fit to play even with a bit of pain.

Live Match Updates

7th Over: South Africa 41 for no loss (Laura Wolvaardt 24, Brits 13)

Nat Sciver-Brunt took over the bowling 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 (Laura Wolvaardt 22, Tazmin Brits 10 runs)

The South African opener, who is in fine form, hit back-to-back boundaries from Linsey Smith. One full-pitched delivery was sent through long off, followed by a loose ball through the covers.

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

A brief mix-up almost resulted in Tazmin Brits a dismissal, but the throw from Nat Sciver-Brunt wasn't on target. Brits then replied with a powerful shot a wide delivery through the covers for four. Lauren Bell ended the over with a well-pitched ball that bounced over Brits' bat.

4th Over: The Proteas 21 without loss (Laura Wolvaardt 13, Brits 6 runs)

Smith bowled a tidy over. Despite the previous opportunity, reports indicate that England have the top fielding record in this competition.

3rd Over: South Africa 19 for no loss (Wolvaardt 12, Brits 5)

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

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

Overcast conditions covered the venue, with the lights in use. Smith seemed in better rhythm than in her previous match yet bowled a loose delivery that Wolvaardt hit hard to the off-side boundary for four.

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

Bell opened the bowling with a fresh cherry. The South African batter immediately took advantage, hitting the initial delivery with style past cover for a boundary. A subsequent loose ball was slashed for four more runs. The bowler then tightened her line, allowing just one run from a wide.

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 extra bounce and help for fast bowlers.

Both teams have had inconsistent form throughout the tournament. The English team are seen as the front-runners, but South Africa have the potential to cause an upset. History shows 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 targeting a spot in the championship match.

Stay tuned for further developments as this thrilling encounter unfolds.