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The highly anticipated knockout match featuring England and South Africa at the Women's World Cup has commenced in Guwahati. The English squad clinched the toss and opted to bowl, hoping to put pressure on their opponents' batting order.

Notable Events

• Anthems were performed prior to the start, with the Proteas' rousing anthem receiving acclaim.
• Team Lineups were announced with both sides naming strong elevens.
• England won the toss and decided to field. Skipper NSB emphasized the importance of sticking to their plans.
• Ecclestone is fit to play despite some discomfort.

Live Match Updates

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

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

Sixth Over: South Africa 35 without loss (Wolvaardt 22, Tazmin Brits 10 runs)

The South African opener, looking in great touch, struck back-to-back fours from Linsey Smith. One full-pitched delivery was dispatched through long off, and then a loose ball through the covers.

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

A brief mix-up nearly cost Brits a dismissal, but the fielding effort from NSB wasn't on target. Brits then replied by smashing a wide delivery 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 (Wolvaardt 13, Brits 6 runs)

Smith delivered a controlled over. Despite the earlier chance, reports indicate that England are the best fielding side in this competition.

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

A possible catch went begging. Brits struck fiercely a delivery back at Bell, that raced for four runs.

Second Over: The Proteas 14-0 (Wolvaardt 12, Tazmin Brits 1)

Overcast conditions hovered over Guwahati, and the floodlights in use. Linsey Smith seemed in better rhythm compared to earlier games yet served up a poor ball that Wolvaardt hit hard through the covers for a boundary.

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

Bell opened the bowling with the new ball. Wolvaardt immediately took advantage, hitting the first ball with style past cover for a boundary. Another wide delivery was slashed for four more runs. Bell then tightened her line, allowing just one run off a wide ball.

Pre-Match Build-Up

The pitch is said to be different from the one used in the teams' first encounter. It is described as a surface with red soil, promising more bounce and assistance for the seamers.

The two sides have experienced mixed performances in the competition so far. The English team are seen as the front-runners, however the Proteas have the potential to cause an upset. History shows 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 aim for a place in the final.

Stay tuned for further developments as this thrilling encounter progresses.