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The highly anticipated knockout match featuring the English side and South Africa in the Women’s Cricket World Cup is underway in Guwahati. England won the toss and opted to bowl, hoping to put pressure on their opponents' batting order.

Highlights

• Anthems were sung before the match, with South Africa's rousing song receiving acclaim.
• Playing XIs were revealed and each team fielding strong lineups.
• The English team won the toss and decided to field. Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt emphasized the importance of trusting the process.
• Ecclestone is fit to play even with a bit of pain.

Live Match Updates

Seventh Over: South Africa 41-0 (Wolvaardt 24, Brits 13 runs)

NSB took over the bowling in place of Lauren Bell. Zero fours were given away, thanks to quick work in the field from Beaumont near the rope.

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

Wolvaardt, looking in great touch, struck two consecutive boundaries off Linsey Smith. A full toss was sent to the off-side boundary, and then a loose ball through cover point.

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

A brief mix-up nearly cost Tazmin Brits a dismissal, however the fielding effort by 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 well-pitched ball that bounced past the bat.

4th Over: South Africa 21-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 13, Brits 6 runs)

Linsey Smith bowled a tidy over. Even with the previous opportunity, statistics show the English team have the top fielding record in the tournament.

Third Over: The Proteas 19 for no loss (Laura Wolvaardt 12, Tazmin Brits 5)

A half-chance was not taken. Brits struck fiercely a delivery toward Lauren Bell, which flew for four runs.

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

Overcast conditions hovered over Guwahati, and the floodlights were switched on. Linsey Smith seemed in better rhythm compared to earlier games but served up a loose delivery that Wolvaardt punished to the off-side boundary for four.

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

Bell started the innings with the new ball. The South African batter seized the opportunity, driving the first ball with style past cover for a boundary. Another wide delivery was slashed for four more runs. The bowler then tightened her line, allowing just one run off a wide ball.

Match Preview

The playing surface reportedly differs compared to the previous track in the earlier match. It is described as a "red soil pitch", promising extra bounce and help for the seamers.

The two sides have experienced inconsistent form in the competition so far. England are seen as the front-runners, but the Proteas have the potential to cause an upset. Past records indicate that England have emerged victorious in 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.

Stay tuned for further developments as this thrilling encounter unfolds.