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The highly anticipated knockout match between the English side and the South African team in the Women’s Cricket World Cup has kicked off in Guwahati. The English squad clinched the toss and opted to bowl, hoping to put pressure on their opponents' batting order.

Key Moments

• Anthems were performed prior to the start, with South Africa's rousing anthem receiving acclaim.
• Team Lineups were announced with both sides fielding strong lineups.
• The English team secured the toss and decided to field. Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt stressed the importance of trusting the process.
• Sophie Ecclestone has been declared fit to take part even with a bit of pain.

In-Play Action

Seventh Over: The Proteas 41-0 (Wolvaardt 24 runs, Tazmin Brits 13)

NSB took over the bowling to replace Lauren Bell. Zero fours were conceded, thanks to some agile fielding from Beaumont near the rope.

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

Wolvaardt, looking in great touch, hit two consecutive boundaries off Linsey Smith. One full-pitched delivery was sent through long off, and then a loose ball through the covers.

5th Over: South Africa 27-0 (Wolvaardt 14 runs, Brits 10)

A brief mix-up nearly cost Brits a dismissal, but the fielding effort from NSB wasn't on target. Brits then responded by smashing a wide delivery past cover for four. Bell ended the over with a well-pitched ball that bounced over Brits' bat.

Fourth Over: The Proteas 21-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 13, Tazmin Brits 6)

Linsey Smith delivered a controlled over. Even with the previous opportunity, statistics show the English team are the best fielding side in the tournament.

3rd Over: South Africa 19 for no loss (Laura Wolvaardt 12, Brits 5)

A half-chance went begging. Tazmin Brits hammered a ball toward Lauren Bell, which flew for four runs.

2nd Over: South Africa 14 without loss (Wolvaardt 12 runs, Tazmin Brits 1)

Overcast conditions covered Guwahati, and the floodlights in use. Smith appeared more comfortable compared to earlier games yet bowled a poor ball which Wolvaardt punished to the off-side boundary for four.

1st Over: South Africa 9-0 (Wolvaardt 8, Brits 0 runs)

Lauren Bell started the innings with a fresh cherry. Wolvaardt seized the opportunity, driving the initial delivery with style past cover for four. A subsequent loose ball was slashed for four more runs. Bell then tightened her line, allowing just one run off a wide ball.

Pre-Match Build-Up

The pitch is said to be different compared to the previous track in the teams' first encounter. It is described as a surface with red soil, which should offer more bounce and help for the seamers.

Both teams have experienced mixed performances in the competition so far. England are considered favourites, but South Africa are capable to cause an upset. Past records indicate that England have won 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.

Stay tuned for further developments as the match unfolds.