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The much-awaited knockout match featuring England and the South African team at the Women's World Cup has commenced in Guwahati. The English squad won the toss and chose to field first, aiming to put pressure on their opponents' batting order.

Notable Events

• Anthems were performed before the match, and the Proteas' uplifting song earning praise.
• Playing XIs were announced with each team fielding competitive elevens.
• The English team won the toss and decided to field. Skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt emphasized the need for sticking to their plans.
• Sophie Ecclestone is fit to take part despite a bit of pain.

In-Play Action

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

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.

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

Wolvaardt, looking in great touch, struck back-to-back boundaries off Linsey Smith. One full-pitched delivery was sent through long off, followed by another poor delivery through the covers.

Fifth Over: The Proteas 27 for no wicket (Laura Wolvaardt 14, Brits 10)

A brief mix-up almost resulted in Tazmin Brits her wicket, but the fielding effort from NSB wasn't on target. She then responded by smashing a wide delivery past cover for four. Lauren Bell ended the over with a sharp delivery that bounced past the bat.

4th Over: The Proteas 21 without loss (Laura Wolvaardt 13, Brits 6)

Smith bowled a tidy over. Despite the earlier chance, statistics show the English team are the best fielding side in this competition.

Third Over: South Africa 19-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 12, Tazmin Brits 5)

A half-chance went begging. Tazmin Brits struck fiercely a ball toward Bell, which flew for four runs.

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

Overcast conditions covered Guwahati, with the lights in use. Linsey Smith seemed in better rhythm than in her previous match but bowled a poor ball that Wolvaardt hit hard through the covers for a boundary.

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

Lauren Bell started the innings with the new ball. Wolvaardt seized the opportunity, hitting the first ball elegantly through the covers for four. A subsequent loose ball was cut for another boundary. The bowler then tightened her line, yielding only a single from a wide.

Pre-Match Build-Up

The playing surface is said to be different compared to the previous track in the teams' first encounter. It's been called a "red soil pitch", promising extra bounce and help for fast bowlers.

The two sides have experienced mixed performances throughout the tournament. The English team are seen as the front-runners, but South Africa are capable of springing a surprise. History shows that England have emerged victorious in both previous semi-final meetings between the sides.

“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 more updates as the match unfolds.