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The much-awaited semi-final featuring 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 chose to field first, hoping to put pressure on their opponents' batting order.

Key Moments

• Anthems were sung prior to the start, and South Africa's rousing song earning praise.
• Playing XIs were announced with each team naming strong lineups.
• England won 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 even with a bit of pain.

Live Match Updates

Seventh Over: The Proteas 41 for no loss (Laura Wolvaardt 24, Tazmin Brits 13)

Nat Sciver-Brunt brought herself on to replace Lauren Bell. No boundaries were given away, due to some agile fielding by Tammy Beaumont near the rope.

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

The South African opener, looking in great touch, struck two consecutive boundaries off Smith. A full toss was dispatched through long off, and then another poor delivery through cover point.

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

A brief mix-up almost resulted in Tazmin Brits a dismissal, however the throw from NSB wasn't on target. She then responded by smashing a wide delivery past cover for four. Lauren Bell ended the over with a well-pitched ball which rose over Brits' bat.

Fourth Over: South Africa 21-0 (Wolvaardt 13, Brits 6 runs)

Linsey 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 19-0 (Wolvaardt 12, Brits 5 runs)

A possible catch went begging. Brits struck fiercely a ball toward Lauren Bell, which flew for four runs.

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

Overcast conditions hovered over the venue, and the floodlights were switched on. Smith seemed in better rhythm compared to earlier games but served up a loose delivery which Wolvaardt punished through the covers for a boundary.

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

Bell opened the bowling with the new ball. The South African batter seized the opportunity, hitting the initial delivery elegantly through the covers for a boundary. Another wide delivery was cut for four more runs. The bowler then tightened her line, allowing just one run from a wide.

Match Preview

The playing surface reportedly differs from the one used in the earlier match. It's been called a "red soil pitch", promising extra bounce and help for fast bowlers.

Both teams have experienced inconsistent form in the competition so far. The English team are considered favourites, but South Africa have the potential of springing a surprise. History shows the English side have emerged victorious in both previous semi-final meetings between the sides.

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

Stay tuned for more updates as this thrilling encounter unfolds.