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The highly anticipated knockout match featuring the English side and the South African team in the Women’s Cricket World Cup has commenced in Guwahati. England clinched the toss and opted to bowl, hoping to apply early pressure against the South African batting lineup.

Highlights

• National anthems were performed prior to the start, and South Africa's rousing song receiving acclaim.
• Playing XIs were revealed with both sides naming competitive elevens.
• The English team secured the toss and chose to bowl. Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt emphasized the need for sticking to their plans.
• Sophie Ecclestone is fit to take part despite some discomfort.

In-Play Action

7th Over: South Africa 41 for no loss (Wolvaardt 24, Tazmin Brits 13)

Nat Sciver-Brunt brought herself on to replace Bell. No boundaries were given away, thanks to quick work in the field by Tammy Beaumont near the rope.

6th Over: The Proteas 35 without loss (Laura Wolvaardt 22, Brits 10)

The South African opener, who is in fine form, hit two consecutive boundaries off Smith. A full toss was dispatched through long off, and then another poor delivery through cover point.

Fifth Over: The Proteas 27-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 14, Brits 10 runs)

A moment of hesitation nearly cost Tazmin Brits a dismissal, but the throw from NSB missed the stumps. Brits then replied by smashing a wide delivery through the covers to the boundary. Bell finished the over with a sharp delivery that bounced over Brits' bat.

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

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

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

A half-chance was not taken. Brits struck fiercely a delivery back at Lauren Bell, that raced to the boundary.

Second Over: The Proteas 14 without loss (Wolvaardt 12 runs, Brits 1)

Overcast conditions covered Guwahati, with the lights were switched on. Linsey Smith appeared more comfortable than in her previous match but served up a loose delivery which Wolvaardt hit hard to the off-side boundary for a boundary.

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

Lauren Bell opened the bowling with the new ball. Wolvaardt seized the opportunity, hitting the first ball elegantly past cover for a boundary. A subsequent loose ball was slashed for four more runs. Bell adjusted her length, allowing just one run from a wide.

Match Preview

The pitch is said to be different from the one used in the earlier match. It is described as a "red soil pitch", which should offer extra bounce and help for the seamers.

The two sides have experienced inconsistent form throughout the tournament. England are considered favourites, but South Africa are capable of springing a surprise. History shows that England have won both previous semi-final meetings when these teams met.

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

Keep following for further developments as the match progresses.