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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 in Guwahati. England won the toss and opted to bowl, aiming to put pressure on the South African batting lineup.

Key Moments

• Anthems were sung before the match, and the Proteas' uplifting anthem earning praise.
• Playing XIs were announced with both sides fielding competitive elevens.
• England won the toss and decided to field. Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt emphasized the need for sticking to their plans.
• Ecclestone is fit to play despite a bit of pain.

In-Play Action

7th Over: The Proteas 41 for no loss (Laura Wolvaardt 24 runs, Tazmin Brits 13 runs)

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

Sixth Over: South Africa 35-0 (Wolvaardt 22, Brits 10 runs)

Wolvaardt, looking in great touch, hit back-to-back boundaries from Smith. One full-pitched delivery was dispatched through long off, followed by a loose ball through the covers.

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

A brief mix-up nearly cost Brits a dismissal, however the fielding effort by NSB missed the stumps. Brits then responded by smashing a ball outside off past cover for four. Lauren Bell ended the over with a sharp delivery that bounced past the bat.

4th Over: The Proteas 21-0 (Wolvaardt 13 runs, Tazmin Brits 6 runs)

Linsey Smith bowled a tidy over. Even with the earlier chance, reports indicate that England have the top fielding record in the tournament.

3rd Over: The Proteas 19 for no loss (Laura Wolvaardt 12, Tazmin Brits 5 runs)

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

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

Overcast conditions hovered over the venue, and the floodlights in use. Smith appeared more comfortable compared to earlier games yet bowled a loose delivery that Wolvaardt hit hard to the off-side boundary for a boundary.

First Over: The Proteas 9-0 (Wolvaardt 8 runs, Brits 0 runs)

Bell started the innings with the new ball. Wolvaardt immediately took advantage, hitting the first ball elegantly through the covers for a boundary. Another wide delivery was slashed for another boundary. The bowler then tightened her line, yielding only a single off a wide ball.

Match Preview

The pitch is said to be different from the one used in the teams' first encounter. It's been called a "red soil pitch", which should offer extra bounce and help for fast bowlers.

The two sides have had mixed performances throughout the tournament. The English team are seen as the front-runners, but the Proteas are capable to cause an upset. History shows the English side have emerged victorious in both previous semi-final meetings when these teams met.

“Brace yourselves, things are about to get intense.” The pressure is on with both sides targeting a spot in the championship match.

Keep following for further developments as the match unfolds.