🔗 Share this article

The much-awaited knockout match between England and the South African team in the Women’s Cricket World Cup is underway in Guwahati. England clinched the toss and opted to bowl, hoping to put pressure on their opponents' batting order.

Notable Events

• Anthems were performed prior to the start, with South Africa's uplifting anthem earning praise.
• Team Lineups were announced with both sides fielding competitive elevens.
• The English team secured the toss and chose to bowl. Captain NSB stressed the need for trusting the process.
• Sophie Ecclestone has been declared fit to take part despite some discomfort.

In-Play Action

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

NSB brought herself on to replace Lauren Bell. Zero fours were conceded, due to some agile fielding by Beaumont near the rope.

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

The South African opener, looking in great touch, hit back-to-back boundaries off Linsey Smith. One full-pitched delivery was dispatched to the off-side boundary, followed by a loose ball through cover point.

5th Over: The Proteas 27 for no wicket (Wolvaardt 14, Tazmin Brits 10)

A brief mix-up almost resulted in Tazmin Brits her wicket, but the fielding effort from NSB missed the stumps. Brits then responded with a powerful shot a ball outside off through the covers to the boundary. Lauren Bell finished the over with a well-pitched ball which rose over Brits' bat.

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

Smith bowled a tidy over. Even with the earlier chance, reports indicate that England have the top fielding record in the tournament.

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

A half-chance was not taken. Tazmin Brits hammered a delivery toward Lauren Bell, which flew for four runs.

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

Overcast conditions hovered over the venue, and the floodlights were switched on. Linsey Smith seemed in better rhythm than in her previous match yet served up a loose delivery that Wolvaardt punished through the covers for a boundary.

1st Over: The Proteas 9 for no wicket (Wolvaardt 8 runs, Tazmin Brits 0)

Lauren Bell opened the bowling with a fresh cherry. Wolvaardt seized the opportunity, driving the first ball with style past cover for four. Another wide delivery was slashed for another boundary. The bowler adjusted her length, yielding only a single from a wide.

Match Preview

The pitch is said to be different compared to the previous track in the teams' first encounter. It is described as a "red soil pitch", promising extra bounce and assistance for the seamers.

The two sides have experienced mixed performances in the competition so far. England are seen as the front-runners, however South Africa are capable 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 as both teams aim for a place in the final.

Keep following for further developments as the match progresses.