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The eagerly awaited semi-final between the English side and the South African team at the Women's World Cup is underway at the Guwahati stadium. The English squad clinched the toss and opted to bowl, aiming to apply early pressure against their opponents' batting order.

Highlights

• Anthems were performed before the match, and South Africa's uplifting anthem receiving acclaim.
• Playing XIs were announced and each team fielding strong lineups.
• The English team secured the toss and decided to field. Skipper NSB stressed the importance of sticking to their plans.
• Sophie Ecclestone has been declared fit to play despite a bit of pain.

Live Match Updates

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

NSB took over the bowling in place of Bell. No boundaries were given away, due to quick work in the field by Tammy Beaumont on the boundary.

Sixth Over: South Africa 35 without loss (Laura Wolvaardt 22, Brits 10)

The South African opener, looking in great touch, struck back-to-back fours from Linsey Smith. A full toss was sent through long off, and then another poor delivery through cover point.

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

A moment of hesitation almost resulted in Brits a dismissal, but the fielding effort from Nat Sciver-Brunt wasn't on target. She then replied with a powerful shot a ball outside off past cover for four. Lauren Bell finished the over with a well-pitched ball that bounced over Brits' bat.

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

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

3rd Over: The Proteas 19 for no loss (Laura Wolvaardt 12 runs, Tazmin Brits 5)

A half-chance went begging. Tazmin Brits struck fiercely a delivery back at Lauren Bell, which flew to the boundary.

2nd Over: South Africa 14-0 (Wolvaardt 12, Brits 1)

Overcast conditions covered Guwahati, and the floodlights were switched on. Linsey Smith seemed in better rhythm than in her previous match yet bowled a loose delivery that Wolvaardt punished to the off-side boundary for a boundary.

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

Bell started the innings with a fresh cherry. Wolvaardt immediately took advantage, driving the initial delivery elegantly through the covers for four. Another wide delivery was slashed for another boundary. The bowler adjusted her length, yielding only a single off a wide ball.

Match Preview

The pitch reportedly differs compared to the previous track in the earlier match. It is described as a "red soil pitch", promising extra bounce and assistance for the seamers.

Both teams have had mixed performances throughout the tournament. England are considered favourites, but South Africa are capable to cause an upset. Past records indicate that England have emerged victorious in earlier knockout clashes between the sides.

“Brace yourselves, things are about to get intense.” The stakes are high with both sides targeting a spot in the championship match.

Keep following for more updates as this thrilling encounter progresses.