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The much-awaited semi-final between the English side and South Africa in the Women’s Cricket World Cup has commenced at the Guwahati stadium. England clinched the toss and chose to field first, hoping to apply early pressure against the South African batting lineup.

Highlights

• Anthems were sung prior to the start, with South Africa's uplifting anthem receiving acclaim.
• Playing XIs were revealed with each team naming competitive lineups.
• England won the toss and chose to bowl. Captain NSB emphasized the need for trusting the process.
• Ecclestone has been declared fit to play despite some discomfort.

In-Play Action

7th Over: South Africa 41 for no loss (Laura Wolvaardt 24, Tazmin Brits 13)

Nat Sciver-Brunt took over the bowling in place of Lauren Bell. Zero fours were given away, thanks to quick work in the field by Beaumont near the rope.

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

The South African opener, looking in great touch, hit back-to-back fours off Linsey Smith. A full toss was dispatched to the off-side boundary, followed by another poor delivery through the covers.

Fifth Over: The Proteas 27 for no wicket (Laura Wolvaardt 14, Brits 10 runs)

A brief mix-up almost resulted in Tazmin Brits a dismissal, but the throw from NSB missed the stumps. She then responded with a powerful shot a wide delivery through the covers for four. Lauren Bell finished the over with a sharp delivery which rose over Brits' bat.

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

Linsey Smith bowled a tidy over. Even with the earlier chance, reports indicate the English team are the best fielding side in this competition.

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

A possible catch went begging. Tazmin Brits struck fiercely a delivery back at Bell, that raced for four runs.

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

Cloudy skies covered Guwahati, with the lights were switched on. Linsey Smith seemed in better rhythm compared to earlier games yet bowled a loose delivery that Wolvaardt hit hard to the off-side boundary for a boundary.

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

Lauren Bell opened the bowling with the new ball. The South African batter immediately took advantage, driving the first ball with style past cover for four. Another wide delivery was slashed for another boundary. The bowler then tightened her line, allowing just one run from a wide.

Pre-Match Build-Up

The pitch reportedly differs from the one used in the teams' first encounter. It is described as a surface with red soil, promising more bounce and help for the seamers.

The two sides have had mixed performances throughout the tournament. England are considered favourites, however the Proteas have the potential of springing a surprise. History shows the English side have emerged victorious in earlier knockout clashes between the sides.

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

Keep following for further developments as the match progresses.