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The eagerly awaited knockout match featuring England and South Africa at the Women's World Cup is underway at the Guwahati stadium. The English squad won the toss and opted to bowl, aiming to put pressure on their opponents' batting order.

Notable Events

• Anthems were sung prior to the start, with the Proteas' uplifting song earning praise.
• Team Lineups were announced and each team fielding strong elevens.
• England secured the toss and decided to field. Skipper NSB emphasized the importance of sticking to their plans.
• Ecclestone has been declared fit to take part despite some discomfort.

In-Play Action

7th Over: The Proteas 41-0 (Wolvaardt 24 runs, Tazmin Brits 13 runs)

NSB took over the bowling to replace Lauren Bell. Zero fours were given away, due to some agile fielding from Tammy Beaumont on the boundary.

6th Over: South Africa 35 without loss (Laura Wolvaardt 22, Tazmin Brits 10)

Wolvaardt, looking in great touch, hit back-to-back boundaries from Linsey Smith. One full-pitched delivery was dispatched to the off-side boundary, followed by another poor delivery through cover point.

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

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

4th Over: The Proteas 21 without loss (Wolvaardt 13, Tazmin Brits 6)

Linsey Smith delivered a controlled over. Even with the earlier chance, statistics show that England have the top fielding record in this competition.

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

A possible catch went begging. Tazmin Brits struck fiercely a ball toward Bell, that raced for four runs.

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

Overcast conditions hovered over the venue, and the floodlights in use. Linsey Smith seemed in better rhythm than in her previous match but bowled a poor ball that Wolvaardt hit hard through the covers for a boundary.

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

Lauren Bell opened the bowling with a fresh cherry. The South African batter seized the opportunity, hitting the first ball elegantly past cover for four. Another wide delivery was slashed for another boundary. The bowler then tightened her line, allowing just one run off a wide ball.

Match Preview

The pitch is said to be different compared to the previous track in the teams' first encounter. It is described as a "red soil pitch", which should offer extra bounce and help for fast bowlers.

The two sides have experienced inconsistent form throughout the tournament. The English team are seen as the front-runners, but the Proteas have the potential of springing a surprise. History shows that England have won both previous semi-final meetings between the sides.

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

Keep following for more updates as this thrilling encounter unfolds.