The English Team against The Proteas: Women's Cricket World Cup Semi-Final
The highly anticipated knockout match featuring England and the South African team in the Women’s Cricket World Cup has kicked off at the Guwahati stadium. England clinched the toss and chose to field first, hoping to put pressure on their opponents' batting order.
Key Moments
- Anthems were performed prior to the start, and the Proteas' uplifting anthem earning praise.
- Team Lineups were announced and each team fielding competitive lineups.
- The English team won the toss and decided to field. Skipper NSB stressed the importance of sticking to their plans.
- Ecclestone has been declared fit to play despite some discomfort.
Live Match Updates
Seventh Over: The Proteas 41-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 24 runs, Brits 13 runs)
Nat Sciver-Brunt took over the bowling in place of Lauren Bell. No boundaries were given away, thanks to quick work in the field from Tammy Beaumont near the rope.
Sixth Over: South Africa 35-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 22 runs, Tazmin Brits 10 runs)
The South African opener, looking in great touch, hit back-to-back boundaries from Linsey Smith. A full toss was sent to the off-side boundary, and then a loose ball through the covers.
Fifth Over: South Africa 27 for no wicket (Wolvaardt 14, Tazmin Brits 10 runs)
A moment of hesitation nearly cost Tazmin Brits a dismissal, but the throw from Nat Sciver-Brunt missed the stumps. She then replied with a powerful shot a wide delivery through the covers to the boundary. Lauren Bell ended the over with a well-pitched ball that bounced over Brits' bat.
Fourth Over: South Africa 21-0 (Wolvaardt 13, Tazmin Brits 6 runs)
Smith delivered a controlled over. Despite the earlier chance, reports indicate the English team have the top fielding record in the tournament.
3rd Over: The Proteas 19 for no loss (Laura Wolvaardt 12 runs, Tazmin Brits 5 runs)
A half-chance went begging. Brits struck fiercely a ball back at Lauren Bell, which flew for four runs.
2nd Over: The Proteas 14-0 (Wolvaardt 12, Tazmin Brits 1)
Overcast conditions covered the venue, and the floodlights were switched on. Smith appeared more comfortable compared to earlier games but bowled a poor ball which Wolvaardt punished to the off-side boundary for a boundary.
1st Over: The Proteas 9 for no wicket (Laura Wolvaardt 8, Brits 0)
Lauren Bell opened the bowling with a fresh cherry. Wolvaardt immediately took advantage, driving the initial delivery with style through the covers for four. Another wide delivery was cut for another boundary. Bell then tightened her line, allowing just one run off a wide ball.
Match Preview
The playing surface reportedly differs from the one used in the teams' first encounter. It's been called a "red soil pitch", which should offer more bounce and assistance for fast bowlers.
The two sides have had inconsistent form in the competition so far. The English team are considered favourites, but the Proteas have the potential to cause an upset. History shows the English side have won earlier knockout clashes between the sides.
“Roll up your sleeves, this is where it gets messy.” The stakes are high with both sides aim for a spot in the championship match.
Keep following for more updates as this thrilling encounter progresses.