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The much-awaited knockout match featuring England and South Africa at the Women's World Cup has commenced in Guwahati. The English squad won the toss and chose to field first, aiming to put pressure on their opponents' batting order.

Notable Events

• National anthems were performed prior to the start, and the Proteas' uplifting anthem receiving acclaim.
• Team Lineups were revealed with both sides naming competitive elevens.
• England won the toss and decided to field. Captain NSB emphasized the need for 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 (Laura Wolvaardt 24 runs, Brits 13 runs)

Nat Sciver-Brunt brought herself on in place of Lauren Bell. Zero fours were given away, due to quick work in the field from Tammy Beaumont on the boundary.

Sixth Over: The Proteas 35 without loss (Laura Wolvaardt 22, Brits 10)

The South African opener, looking in great touch, hit back-to-back fours from Linsey Smith. A full toss was dispatched through long off, and then a loose ball through the covers.

Fifth Over: South Africa 27-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 14 runs, Tazmin Brits 10 runs)

A brief mix-up almost resulted in Brits a dismissal, however the throw from Nat Sciver-Brunt missed the stumps. Brits then responded with a powerful shot a wide delivery past cover for four. Bell ended the over with a well-pitched ball that bounced past the bat.

4th Over: South Africa 21 without loss (Wolvaardt 13, Tazmin Brits 6 runs)

Linsey Smith bowled a tidy over. Even with the previous opportunity, statistics show that England have the top fielding record in this competition.

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

A possible catch was not taken. Brits hammered a delivery back at Lauren Bell, which flew for four runs.

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

Overcast conditions covered the venue, with the lights in use. Linsey Smith seemed in better rhythm than in her previous match but bowled a loose delivery which Wolvaardt hit hard to the off-side boundary for four.

First Over: South Africa 9-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 8, Brits 0 runs)

Lauren Bell opened the bowling with a fresh cherry. The South African batter seized the opportunity, driving the initial delivery with style through the covers for four. A subsequent loose ball was cut for another boundary. The bowler adjusted her length, yielding only a single from a wide.

Match Preview

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", promising extra bounce and help for fast bowlers.

Both teams have had inconsistent form in the competition so far. The English team are considered favourites, however South Africa have the potential 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 stakes are high as both teams targeting a spot in the championship match.

Stay tuned for more updates as the match unfolds.