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

Highlights

• Anthems were performed before the match, with the Proteas' rousing song receiving acclaim.
• Playing XIs were announced and each team fielding competitive elevens.
• The English team secured the toss and decided to field. Skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt stressed the need for sticking to their plans.
• Ecclestone has been declared fit to play despite some discomfort.

Live Match Updates

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

NSB took over the bowling to replace Lauren Bell. Zero fours were conceded, due to quick work in the field by Tammy Beaumont near the rope.

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

Wolvaardt, looking in great touch, struck back-to-back boundaries off Smith. One full-pitched delivery was dispatched through long off, followed by another poor delivery through the covers.

Fifth Over: South Africa 27 for no wicket (Laura Wolvaardt 14, Tazmin Brits 10)

A moment of hesitation nearly cost Tazmin Brits a dismissal, but the throw from Nat Sciver-Brunt wasn't on target. She then responded by smashing 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 without loss (Wolvaardt 13, Tazmin Brits 6)

Smith bowled a tidy over. Despite the previous opportunity, statistics show the English team have the top fielding record in the tournament.

Third Over: South Africa 19-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 12 runs, Brits 5 runs)

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

Second Over: South Africa 14 without loss (Wolvaardt 12 runs, Tazmin Brits 1)

Overcast conditions hovered over Guwahati, with the lights were switched on. Smith seemed in better rhythm than in her previous match yet bowled a loose delivery which Wolvaardt punished through the covers for a boundary.

1st Over: The Proteas 9-0 (Wolvaardt 8 runs, Brits 0 runs)

Bell started the innings with the new ball. The South African batter immediately took advantage, hitting the initial delivery with style past cover for four. Another wide delivery was slashed for four more runs. Bell adjusted her length, yielding only a single from a wide.

Pre-Match Build-Up

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

Both teams have had mixed performances in the competition so far. The English team are seen as the front-runners, however the Proteas are capable to cause an upset. Past records indicate that England have emerged victorious in both previous semi-final meetings when these teams met.

“Roll up your sleeves, this is where it gets messy.” The pressure is on as both teams targeting a spot in the championship match.

Stay tuned for further developments as this thrilling encounter unfolds.