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The eagerly awaited knockout match between the English side and South Africa in the Women’s Cricket World Cup has commenced at the Guwahati stadium. The English squad clinched the toss and chose to field first, aiming to put pressure on the South African batting lineup.

Key Moments

• National anthems were performed prior to the start, with the Proteas' uplifting anthem receiving acclaim.
• Playing XIs were revealed and both sides fielding competitive lineups.
• England secured the toss and decided to field. Skipper NSB stressed the need for trusting the process.
• Ecclestone has been declared fit to take part despite some discomfort.

In-Play Action

Seventh Over: South Africa 41 for no loss (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 on the boundary.

Sixth Over: The Proteas 35 without loss (Laura Wolvaardt 22, Tazmin Brits 10)

Wolvaardt, looking in great touch, hit two consecutive fours from Linsey Smith. A full toss was sent to the off-side boundary, followed by another poor delivery through cover point.

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

A moment of hesitation almost resulted in Tazmin Brits her wicket, however the throw by Nat Sciver-Brunt wasn't on target. Brits then replied by smashing a wide delivery past cover for four. Bell finished the over with a well-pitched ball which rose over Brits' bat.

Fourth Over: The Proteas 21 without loss (Wolvaardt 13 runs, Brits 6)

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

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

A half-chance was not taken. Tazmin Brits hammered a delivery back at Bell, which flew to the boundary.

2nd Over: South Africa 14 without loss (Laura Wolvaardt 12 runs, Tazmin Brits 1)

Cloudy skies hovered over Guwahati, with the lights were switched on. Smith appeared more comfortable compared to earlier games but served up a loose delivery that Wolvaardt punished through the covers for a boundary.

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

Lauren Bell started the innings with the new ball. The South African batter seized the opportunity, hitting the initial delivery with style past cover for a boundary. Another wide delivery was slashed for four more runs. Bell adjusted her length, yielding only a single from a wide.

Pre-Match Build-Up

The playing surface reportedly differs from the one used in the earlier match. It's been called a surface with red soil, which should offer extra bounce and help for the seamers.

The two sides have experienced mixed performances throughout the tournament. England are seen as the front-runners, however South Africa are capable of springing a surprise. Past records indicate the English side have won earlier knockout clashes 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 further developments as the match unfolds.