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The eagerly awaited knockout match featuring the English side and South Africa at the Women's World Cup is underway at the Guwahati stadium. The English squad clinched the toss and opted to bowl, hoping to apply early pressure against their opponents' batting order.

Highlights

• National anthems were performed before the match, and South Africa's uplifting anthem receiving acclaim.
• Team Lineups were announced and each team naming competitive elevens.
• The English team won the toss and decided to field. Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt emphasized the need for trusting the process.
• Ecclestone is fit to take part even with some discomfort.

In-Play Action

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

NSB brought herself on in place of Bell. No boundaries were given away, thanks to some agile fielding from Tammy Beaumont near the rope.

6th Over: The Proteas 35 without loss (Laura Wolvaardt 22, Brits 10)

The South African opener, who is in fine form, hit two consecutive boundaries off Smith. One full-pitched delivery was sent through long off, and then another poor delivery through cover point.

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

A brief mix-up nearly cost Brits a dismissal, but the fielding effort from Nat Sciver-Brunt missed the stumps. She then responded with a powerful shot a ball outside off through the covers to the boundary. Lauren Bell ended the over with a sharp delivery that bounced past the bat.

Fourth Over: South Africa 21-0 (Wolvaardt 13, Tazmin Brits 6)

Smith delivered a controlled over. Despite the earlier chance, reports indicate that England have the top fielding record in the tournament.

Third Over: The Proteas 19-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 12 runs, Tazmin Brits 5)

A half-chance went begging. Brits struck fiercely a delivery back at Bell, which flew to the boundary.

2nd Over: South Africa 14-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 12 runs, Tazmin Brits 1)

Cloudy skies hovered over Guwahati, with the lights were switched on. Smith seemed in better rhythm compared to earlier games but bowled a loose delivery which Wolvaardt punished through the covers for a boundary.

First Over: The Proteas 9 for no wicket (Laura Wolvaardt 8, Brits 0 runs)

Bell started the innings with a fresh cherry. The South African batter seized the opportunity, hitting the initial delivery elegantly through the covers for a boundary. A subsequent loose ball was cut for four more runs. The bowler adjusted her length, allowing just one run from a wide.

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 extra bounce and help for fast bowlers.

Both teams have experienced mixed performances in the competition so far. England are considered favourites, however the Proteas 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 as both teams targeting a place in the final.

Stay tuned for more updates as this thrilling encounter unfolds.