🔗 Share this article

The much-awaited knockout match featuring England and the South African team in the Women’s Cricket World Cup has commenced at the Guwahati stadium. England won the toss and chose to field first, aiming to apply early pressure against the South African batting lineup.

Notable Events

• National anthems were sung prior to the start, with South Africa's uplifting anthem receiving acclaim.
• Playing XIs were revealed and both sides fielding competitive elevens.
• England won the toss and chose to bowl. Skipper NSB emphasized the need for sticking to their plans.
• Ecclestone is fit to play despite a bit of pain.

Live Match Updates

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

NSB brought herself on in place of Lauren Bell. Zero fours were given away, due to some agile fielding from Tammy Beaumont on the boundary.

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

Wolvaardt, who is in fine form, struck two consecutive boundaries off Linsey Smith. One full-pitched delivery was dispatched through long off, followed by another poor delivery through the covers.

Fifth Over: The Proteas 27-0 (Wolvaardt 14 runs, Tazmin Brits 10 runs)

A brief mix-up almost resulted in Brits a dismissal, but the fielding effort by NSB wasn't on target. She then responded with a powerful shot a ball outside off through the covers to the boundary. Bell finished the over with a sharp delivery which rose over Brits' bat.

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

Linsey Smith bowled a tidy over. Even with the earlier chance, statistics show that England have the top fielding record in this competition.

Third Over: The Proteas 19-0 (Wolvaardt 12, Brits 5)

A possible catch was not taken. Tazmin Brits hammered a ball back at Bell, that raced for four runs.

2nd Over: The Proteas 14 without loss (Laura Wolvaardt 12 runs, Tazmin Brits 1 run)

Cloudy skies hovered over the venue, and the floodlights in use. Linsey Smith seemed in better rhythm compared to earlier games but served up a poor ball that Wolvaardt punished to the off-side boundary for a boundary.

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

Lauren Bell started the innings with the new ball. The South African batter immediately took advantage, driving the initial delivery with style through the covers for a boundary. A subsequent loose ball was cut for four more runs. The bowler then tightened her line, allowing just one run off a wide ball.

Match Preview

The pitch reportedly differs compared to the previous track in the earlier match. It is described as a surface with red soil, which should offer extra bounce and help for the seamers.

Both teams have experienced mixed performances throughout the tournament. England are considered favourites, but the Proteas are capable to cause an upset. History shows the English side have won both previous semi-final meetings when these teams met.

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

Keep following for further developments as this thrilling encounter unfolds.