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The much-awaited semi-final featuring England and South Africa at the Women's World Cup has commenced in Guwahati. England won the toss and opted to bowl, aiming to put pressure on the South African batting lineup.

Key Moments

• Anthems were performed before the match, with the Proteas' uplifting anthem receiving acclaim.
• Playing XIs were announced and each team naming competitive elevens.
• England secured the toss and decided to field. Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt stressed the importance of sticking to their plans.
• Ecclestone has been declared fit to play despite a bit of pain.

Live Match Updates

7th Over: South Africa 41-0 (Wolvaardt 24 runs, Brits 13 runs)

NSB took over the bowling to replace Bell. No boundaries were conceded, due to some agile fielding from Tammy Beaumont on the boundary.

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

Wolvaardt, looking in great touch, hit back-to-back fours off Linsey Smith. One full-pitched delivery was dispatched through long off, and then a loose ball through cover point.

Fifth Over: South Africa 27-0 (Wolvaardt 14 runs, Brits 10 runs)

A brief mix-up nearly cost Tazmin Brits her wicket, however the fielding effort from NSB wasn't on target. Brits then responded with a powerful shot a wide delivery through the covers to the boundary. Lauren Bell finished the over with a sharp delivery that bounced over Brits' bat.

Fourth Over: The Proteas 21-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 13, Brits 6)

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

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

A possible catch was not taken. Tazmin Brits struck fiercely a ball back at Lauren Bell, that raced to the boundary.

Second Over: South Africa 14-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 12 runs, Tazmin Brits 1)

Cloudy skies covered Guwahati, and the floodlights in use. Smith seemed in better rhythm compared to earlier games but served up a loose delivery which Wolvaardt hit hard to the off-side boundary for a boundary.

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

Lauren Bell opened the bowling with a fresh cherry. The South African batter immediately took advantage, driving the first ball elegantly past cover for four. A subsequent loose ball 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 earlier match. It's been called a surface with red soil, which should offer extra bounce and assistance for fast bowlers.

The two sides have had mixed performances throughout the tournament. England are considered favourites, but South Africa have the potential of springing a surprise. History shows that England have won earlier knockout clashes between the sides.

“Roll up your sleeves, this is where it gets messy.” The stakes are high with both sides targeting a place in the final.

Keep following for more updates as this thrilling encounter progresses.