🔗 Share this article

The much-awaited semi-final between the English side and South Africa at the Women's World Cup is underway in Guwahati. The English squad clinched the toss and opted to bowl, aiming to apply early pressure against the South African batting lineup.

Notable Events

• Anthems were sung before the match, and the Proteas' rousing anthem earning praise.
• Playing XIs were revealed with each team fielding competitive lineups.
• The English team won the toss and chose to bowl. Skipper NSB stressed the need for trusting the process.
• Sophie Ecclestone is fit to play despite a bit of pain.

Live Match Updates

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

Nat Sciver-Brunt brought herself on in place of Bell. Zero fours were conceded, due to some agile fielding by Tammy Beaumont near the rope.

6th Over: The Proteas 35 without loss (Laura Wolvaardt 22, Tazmin Brits 10 runs)

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

5th Over: South Africa 27 for no wicket (Laura Wolvaardt 14 runs, Tazmin Brits 10)

A brief mix-up nearly cost Tazmin Brits a dismissal, but the throw from Nat Sciver-Brunt missed the stumps. Brits then replied with a powerful shot a wide delivery past cover for four. Lauren Bell ended the over with a well-pitched ball that bounced over Brits' bat.

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

Smith delivered a controlled over. Despite the earlier chance, statistics show that England are the best fielding side in the tournament.

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

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

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

Cloudy skies hovered over the venue, and the floodlights in use. Linsey Smith appeared more comfortable compared to earlier games yet served up a loose delivery that Wolvaardt punished through the covers for a boundary.

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

Bell started the innings with the new ball. Wolvaardt seized the opportunity, hitting the first ball with style through the covers for four. A subsequent loose ball was cut for four more runs. Bell then tightened her line, allowing just one run off a wide ball.

Pre-Match Build-Up

The playing surface reportedly differs from the one used in the teams' first encounter. It's been called a "red soil pitch", which should offer extra bounce and assistance for the seamers.

Both teams have experienced inconsistent form throughout the tournament. The English team are seen as the front-runners, but the Proteas have the potential to cause an upset. History shows that England have emerged victorious in earlier knockout clashes between the sides.

“Roll up your sleeves, this is where it gets messy.” The pressure is on with both sides aim for a place in the final.

Keep following for further developments as this thrilling encounter progresses.