🔗 Share this article

The eagerly awaited knockout match featuring the English side and the South African team at the Women's World Cup is underway at the Guwahati stadium. The English squad won the toss and opted to bowl, hoping to put pressure on the South African batting lineup.

Notable Events

• Anthems were performed prior to the start, and South Africa's uplifting song receiving acclaim.
• Team Lineups were announced and both sides naming competitive lineups.
• England secured the toss and chose to bowl. Skipper NSB emphasized the need for sticking to their plans.
• Sophie Ecclestone is fit to play even with a bit of pain.

In-Play Action

Seventh Over: South Africa 41 for no loss (Wolvaardt 24, Brits 13 runs)

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

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

Wolvaardt, who is in fine form, struck back-to-back boundaries off Linsey Smith. One full-pitched delivery was sent to the off-side boundary, and then another poor delivery through cover point.

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

A moment of hesitation nearly cost Tazmin Brits a dismissal, but the fielding effort by Nat Sciver-Brunt wasn't on target. She then responded by smashing a wide delivery through the covers to the boundary. Lauren Bell finished the over with a sharp delivery that bounced past the bat.

4th Over: South Africa 21-0 (Wolvaardt 13 runs, Tazmin Brits 6 runs)

Linsey Smith delivered a controlled over. Despite the earlier chance, reports indicate the English team are the best fielding side in the tournament.

Third Over: South Africa 19 for no loss (Wolvaardt 12, Tazmin Brits 5)

A possible catch went begging. Brits struck fiercely a delivery back at Bell, which flew to the boundary.

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

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

1st Over: The Proteas 9-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 8 runs, Tazmin Brits 0 runs)

Lauren Bell opened the bowling with a fresh cherry. Wolvaardt immediately took advantage, hitting the initial delivery elegantly past cover for four. Another wide delivery was slashed for another boundary. The bowler adjusted her length, allowing just one run off a wide ball.

Match Preview

The playing surface is said to be different 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.

Both teams have had mixed performances throughout the tournament. England are seen as the front-runners, however the Proteas are capable to cause an upset. History shows that England have emerged victorious in both previous semi-final meetings when these teams met.

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

Keep following for further developments as the match unfolds.