The eagerly awaited knockout match between the English side and South Africa in the Women’s Cricket World Cup has kicked off at the Guwahati stadium. The English squad clinched the toss and opted to bowl, hoping to put pressure on the South African batting lineup.
Notable Events
- Anthems were performed before the match, and the Proteas' uplifting anthem receiving acclaim.
- Team Lineups were announced with each team naming strong lineups.
- England secured the toss and chose to bowl. Captain NSB stressed the need for trusting the process.
- Ecclestone is fit to play despite a bit of pain.
In-Play Action
Seventh Over: South Africa 41 for no loss (Laura Wolvaardt 24 runs, Tazmin Brits 13 runs)
Nat Sciver-Brunt brought herself on to replace Bell. No boundaries were conceded, due to some agile fielding by Tammy Beaumont near the rope.
6th Over: The Proteas 35-0 (Wolvaardt 22, Tazmin Brits 10 runs)
The South African opener, looking in great touch, hit two consecutive boundaries off Linsey Smith. One full-pitched delivery was dispatched to the off-side boundary, and then a loose ball through the covers.
Fifth Over: The Proteas 27-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 14 runs, Brits 10)
A brief mix-up almost resulted in Brits her wicket, however the fielding effort from Nat Sciver-Brunt wasn't on target. Brits then replied with a powerful shot a ball outside off through the covers to the boundary. Bell ended the over with a well-pitched ball that bounced past the bat.
4th Over: The Proteas 21 without loss (Laura Wolvaardt 13, Brits 6)
Smith bowled a tidy over. Even with the previous opportunity, statistics show that England are the best fielding side in the tournament.
Third Over: South Africa 19-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 12 runs, Tazmin Brits 5)
A possible catch went begging. Brits struck fiercely a ball back at Lauren Bell, which flew to the boundary.
Second Over: The Proteas 14 without loss (Wolvaardt 12, Tazmin Brits 1)
Cloudy skies hovered over the venue, and the floodlights were switched on. Smith appeared more comfortable than in her previous match yet bowled a loose delivery that Wolvaardt punished through the covers for four.
1st Over: South Africa 9-0 (Wolvaardt 8 runs, Brits 0)
Bell opened the bowling with a fresh cherry. Wolvaardt seized the opportunity, hitting the first ball with style through the covers for a boundary. A subsequent loose ball was cut for another boundary. The bowler then tightened her line, yielding only a single from a wide.
Pre-Match Build-Up
The playing surface is said to be different compared to the previous track in the earlier match. It's been called a "red soil pitch", which should offer extra bounce and assistance for the seamers.
Both teams have had inconsistent form in the competition so far. The English team are seen as the front-runners, but South Africa have the potential of springing a surprise. History shows the English side have won both previous semi-final meetings when these teams met.
“Brace yourselves, things are about to get intense.” The pressure is on with both sides aim for a place in the final.
Keep following for more updates as this thrilling encounter unfolds.
