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The highly anticipated knockout match featuring England and the South African team in the Women’s Cricket World Cup is underway at the Guwahati stadium. The English squad won the toss and opted to bowl, hoping to apply early pressure against the South African batting lineup.

Notable Events

• Anthems were sung prior to the start, with South Africa's rousing anthem earning praise.
• Team Lineups were announced and each team naming competitive elevens.
• England secured the toss and chose to bowl. Captain NSB emphasized the need for trusting the process.
• Sophie Ecclestone has been declared fit to play despite some discomfort.

In-Play Action

Seventh Over: The Proteas 41 for no loss (Laura Wolvaardt 24 runs, Tazmin Brits 13)

NSB took over the bowling to replace Bell. No boundaries were conceded, thanks to some agile fielding by Tammy Beaumont on the boundary.

6th Over: The Proteas 35-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 22, Brits 10 runs)

The South African opener, who is in fine form, hit back-to-back boundaries off Smith. A full toss was dispatched through long off, followed by another poor delivery through the covers.

5th Over: South Africa 27 for no wicket (Laura Wolvaardt 14 runs, Tazmin Brits 10)

A brief mix-up almost resulted in Brits a dismissal, but the throw from Nat Sciver-Brunt wasn't on target. She then replied with a powerful shot a ball outside off past cover for four. Bell finished the over with a sharp delivery which rose over Brits' bat.

Fourth Over: The Proteas 21 without loss (Laura Wolvaardt 13, Brits 6)

Linsey Smith bowled a tidy over. Even with the earlier chance, statistics show that England are the best fielding side in this competition.

3rd Over: South Africa 19-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 12, Tazmin Brits 5 runs)

A possible catch went begging. Brits hammered a delivery toward Lauren Bell, that raced to the boundary.

2nd Over: South Africa 14-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 12, Brits 1 run)

Overcast conditions hovered over Guwahati, and the floodlights in use. Linsey Smith seemed in better rhythm compared to earlier games yet served up a poor ball which Wolvaardt hit hard to the off-side boundary for four.

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

Lauren Bell opened the bowling with the new ball. The South African batter immediately took advantage, hitting the initial delivery elegantly past cover for a boundary. A subsequent loose ball was slashed for four more runs. The bowler then tightened her line, yielding only a single from a wide.

Match Preview

The playing surface reportedly differs compared to the previous track in the teams' first encounter. It's been called a surface with red soil, which should offer more bounce and assistance for the seamers.

Both teams have experienced inconsistent form in the competition so far. The English team are considered favourites, however South Africa have the potential of springing a surprise. History shows the English side have emerged victorious in both previous semi-final meetings between the sides.

“Brace yourselves, things are about to get intense.” The stakes are high as both teams aim for a spot in the championship match.

Keep following for further developments as the match unfolds.