🔗 Share this article

The eagerly awaited semi-final between the English side and the South African team at the Women's World Cup has kicked off in Guwahati. England won the toss and opted to bowl, hoping to put pressure on the South African batting lineup.

Highlights

• Anthems were sung before the match, with South Africa's rousing song receiving acclaim.
• Playing XIs were announced and each team naming strong elevens.
• The English team secured the toss and decided to field. Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt stressed the need for trusting the process.
• Ecclestone is fit to play despite some discomfort.

Live Match Updates

Seventh Over: South Africa 41-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 24 runs, Brits 13 runs)

NSB took over the bowling in place of Lauren Bell. Zero fours were given away, due to some agile fielding from Beaumont on the boundary.

Sixth Over: The Proteas 35 without loss (Wolvaardt 22, Tazmin Brits 10 runs)

Wolvaardt, looking in great touch, hit two consecutive boundaries off Linsey Smith. One full-pitched delivery was dispatched to the off-side boundary, followed by another poor delivery through cover point.

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

A brief mix-up nearly cost Tazmin Brits her wicket, but the fielding effort by NSB missed the stumps. Brits then responded with a powerful shot a ball outside off through the covers to the boundary. Lauren Bell ended the over with a sharp delivery which rose over Brits' bat.

Fourth Over: South Africa 21-0 (Wolvaardt 13, Brits 6)

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

Third Over: The Proteas 19-0 (Wolvaardt 12 runs, Tazmin Brits 5)

A half-chance went begging. Brits struck fiercely a delivery toward Bell, that raced for four runs.

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

Overcast conditions covered the venue, with the lights in use. Linsey Smith seemed in better rhythm than in her previous match but served up a poor ball which Wolvaardt punished through the covers for a boundary.

1st Over: South Africa 9 for no wicket (Laura Wolvaardt 8 runs, Tazmin Brits 0 runs)

Lauren Bell opened the bowling with the new ball. The South African batter seized the opportunity, driving the first ball elegantly past cover for four. Another wide delivery was slashed for four more runs. The bowler adjusted her length, yielding only a single from a wide.

Match Preview

The playing surface is said to be different compared to the previous track in the teams' first encounter. It's been called a "red soil pitch", which should offer more bounce and assistance for fast bowlers.

Both teams have had inconsistent form in the competition so far. England are seen as the front-runners, however South Africa are capable of springing a surprise. 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 stakes are high with both sides targeting a spot in the championship match.

Stay tuned for more updates as the match progresses.