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The much-awaited knockout match featuring the English side and the South African team in the Women’s Cricket World Cup has commenced at the Guwahati stadium. England won the toss and chose to field first, hoping to apply early pressure against their opponents' batting order.

Key Moments

• Anthems were performed before the match, and South Africa's rousing song earning praise.
• Playing XIs were revealed and each team naming competitive lineups.
• England secured the toss and decided to field. Skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt emphasized the importance of sticking to their plans.
• Sophie Ecclestone has been declared fit to take part despite a bit of pain.

In-Play Action

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

NSB took over the bowling in place of Bell. No boundaries were conceded, thanks to quick work in the field by Beaumont on the boundary.

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

Wolvaardt, who is in fine form, struck back-to-back fours from Linsey Smith. One full-pitched delivery was dispatched through long off, and then a loose ball through the covers.

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

A brief mix-up almost resulted in Tazmin Brits her wicket, but the throw from NSB wasn't on target. Brits then replied by smashing a wide delivery through the covers to the boundary. Bell ended the over with a sharp delivery that bounced past the bat.

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

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

Third Over: The Proteas 19-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 12 runs, Brits 5 runs)

A half-chance went begging. Brits hammered a ball back at Lauren Bell, that raced for four runs.

2nd Over: The Proteas 14 without loss (Laura Wolvaardt 12 runs, Brits 1)

Overcast conditions hovered over the venue, and the floodlights in use. Smith seemed in better rhythm than in her previous match but served up a poor ball which Wolvaardt hit hard through the covers for four.

1st Over: South Africa 9 for no wicket (Laura Wolvaardt 8, Brits 0)

Bell started the innings with the new ball. The South African batter seized the opportunity, driving the initial delivery elegantly past cover for four. A subsequent loose ball was slashed for four more runs. The bowler adjusted her length, yielding only a single from a wide.

Pre-Match Build-Up

The pitch is said to be different from the one used in the earlier match. It is described as a "red soil pitch", promising more bounce and assistance for fast bowlers.

Both teams have experienced mixed performances throughout the tournament. The English team are seen as the front-runners, but South Africa have the potential to cause an upset. Past records indicate that England have emerged victorious in earlier knockout clashes when these teams met.

“Brace yourselves, things are about to get intense.” The stakes are high with both sides aim for a place in the final.

Keep following for further developments as this thrilling encounter progresses.