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The eagerly awaited knockout match featuring the English side and the South African team in the Women’s Cricket World Cup has kicked off in Guwahati. The English squad won the toss and opted to bowl, hoping to put pressure on their opponents' batting order.

Highlights

• National anthems were sung prior to the start, and the Proteas' uplifting song receiving acclaim.
• Playing XIs were revealed with both sides fielding strong lineups.
• The English team secured the toss and decided to field. Skipper NSB emphasized the importance of sticking to their plans.
• Sophie Ecclestone has been declared fit to play despite a bit of pain.

In-Play Action

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

Nat Sciver-Brunt took over the bowling to replace Bell. No boundaries were conceded, due to quick work in the field by Tammy Beaumont near the rope.

6th Over: South Africa 35-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 22, Brits 10 runs)

Wolvaardt, looking in great touch, struck two consecutive fours off Smith. One full-pitched delivery was dispatched through long off, and then another poor delivery through cover point.

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

A brief mix-up nearly cost Tazmin Brits a dismissal, however the throw from NSB missed the stumps. She then responded with a powerful shot a wide delivery through the covers for four. Bell finished the over with a sharp delivery which rose past the bat.

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

Linsey Smith delivered a controlled over. Despite the previous opportunity, statistics show that England have the top fielding record in the tournament.

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

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

Second Over: South Africa 14 without loss (Wolvaardt 12, Tazmin Brits 1)

Overcast conditions covered Guwahati, with the lights were switched on. Smith seemed in better rhythm than in her previous match but bowled a loose delivery that Wolvaardt punished through the covers for four.

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

Bell opened the bowling with the new ball. The South African batter seized the opportunity, hitting the first ball elegantly through the covers for a boundary. Another wide delivery was slashed for another boundary. Bell then tightened her line, allowing just one run off a wide ball.

Match Preview

The pitch is said to be different compared to the previous track in the teams' first encounter. It's been called a surface with red soil, promising extra bounce and assistance for the seamers.

Both teams have had inconsistent form in the competition so far. The English team are seen as the front-runners, but South Africa are capable to cause an upset. History shows the English side have won 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 progresses.