The English Team v The Proteas: Women's Cricket World Cup Knockout Clash

The much-awaited semi-final between the English side 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 chose to field first, aiming to put pressure on the South African batting lineup.

Key Moments

Anthems were performed prior to the start, and the Proteas' uplifting anthem receiving acclaim.
Playing XIs were announced with each team fielding strong elevens.
The English team won the toss and decided to field. Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt emphasized the need for sticking to their plans.
Ecclestone has been declared fit to take part despite a bit of pain.

Live Match Updates

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

Nat Sciver-Brunt brought herself on to replace Bell. No boundaries were given away, due to quick work in the field from Beaumont on the boundary.

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

Wolvaardt, looking in great touch, struck back-to-back fours from Linsey Smith. A full toss was dispatched to the off-side boundary, and then a loose ball through the covers.

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

A brief mix-up nearly cost Brits a dismissal, but the fielding effort by NSB missed the stumps. Brits then responded with a powerful shot a wide delivery past cover to the boundary. Lauren Bell ended the over with a well-pitched ball which rose past the bat.

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

Smith delivered a controlled over. Even with the previous opportunity, reports indicate the English team have the top fielding record in the tournament.

3rd Over: The Proteas 19-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 12, Brits 5)

A half-chance went begging. Tazmin Brits hammered a ball toward Lauren Bell, that raced to the boundary.

Second Over: The Proteas 14 without loss (Wolvaardt 12, Tazmin Brits 1 run)

Cloudy skies covered Guwahati, with the lights in use. Linsey Smith seemed in better rhythm compared to earlier games but served up a loose delivery which Wolvaardt hit hard to the off-side boundary for a boundary.

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

Bell started the innings with the new ball. Wolvaardt seized the opportunity, hitting the first ball elegantly past cover for a boundary. Another wide delivery was slashed for four more runs. Bell then tightened her line, allowing just one run off a wide ball.

Pre-Match Build-Up

The playing surface is said to be different 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.

The two sides have had inconsistent form in the competition so far. England are seen as the front-runners, however South Africa are capable to cause an upset. Past records indicate the English side have won earlier knockout clashes when these teams met.