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The much-awaited knockout match featuring England and South Africa in the Women’s Cricket World Cup is underway at the Guwahati stadium. England won the toss and chose to field first, aiming to apply early pressure against the South African batting lineup.

Key Moments

• National anthems were performed prior to the start, and South Africa's rousing song receiving acclaim.
• Team Lineups were revealed and each team fielding competitive lineups.
• England secured the toss and chose to bowl. Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt stressed the importance of trusting the process.
• Sophie Ecclestone is fit to play even with some discomfort.

In-Play Action

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

NSB took over the bowling in place of Bell. No boundaries were given away, thanks to quick work in the field from Tammy Beaumont on the boundary.

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

The South African opener, who is in fine form, struck two consecutive fours off Smith. A full toss was dispatched through long off, followed by another poor delivery through the covers.

5th Over: The Proteas 27 for no wicket (Wolvaardt 14 runs, Brits 10)

A moment of hesitation nearly cost Tazmin Brits a dismissal, but the fielding effort from Nat Sciver-Brunt missed the stumps. She then replied with a powerful shot a ball outside off through the covers for four. Lauren Bell finished the over with a well-pitched ball that bounced over Brits' bat.

Fourth Over: The Proteas 21-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 13, Brits 6 runs)

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

Third Over: South Africa 19 for no loss (Wolvaardt 12, Brits 5 runs)

A half-chance was not taken. Brits hammered a delivery toward Lauren Bell, that raced for four runs.

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

Cloudy skies hovered over Guwahati, with the lights in use. Smith appeared more comfortable compared to earlier games yet bowled a loose delivery which Wolvaardt punished to the off-side boundary for a boundary.

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

Lauren Bell started the innings with a fresh cherry. Wolvaardt immediately took advantage, driving the initial delivery with style past cover for four. A subsequent loose ball was slashed for four more runs. Bell then tightened her line, yielding only a single from a wide.

Pre-Match Build-Up

The pitch reportedly differs compared to the previous track in the earlier match. It is described as a surface with red soil, which should offer more bounce and assistance for the seamers.

Both teams have experienced mixed performances in the competition so far. England are seen as the front-runners, however South Africa are capable of springing a surprise. History shows that England have emerged victorious in earlier knockout clashes 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 the match progresses.