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The highly anticipated knockout match featuring England and South Africa in the Women’s Cricket World Cup has kicked off at the Guwahati stadium. The English squad won the toss and opted to bowl, aiming to apply early pressure against the South African batting lineup.

Key Moments

• National anthems were performed before the match, with the Proteas' uplifting song earning praise.
• Team Lineups were revealed and each team fielding strong elevens.
• England won the toss and chose to bowl. Skipper NSB emphasized the need for sticking to their plans.
• 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, Brits 13)

NSB took over the bowling to replace Bell. Zero fours were conceded, thanks to quick work in the field from Beaumont on the boundary.

Sixth Over: The Proteas 35-0 (Wolvaardt 22, Brits 10)

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

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

A moment of hesitation nearly cost Tazmin Brits a dismissal, but the throw by Nat Sciver-Brunt wasn't on target. Brits then responded with a powerful shot a wide delivery through the covers for four. Lauren Bell finished the over with a well-pitched ball that bounced past the bat.

4th Over: South Africa 21 without loss (Laura Wolvaardt 13, Brits 6 runs)

Smith bowled a tidy over. Even with the previous opportunity, statistics show the English team have the top fielding record in this competition.

3rd Over: South Africa 19 for no loss (Laura Wolvaardt 12 runs, Tazmin Brits 5 runs)

A half-chance was not taken. Tazmin Brits hammered a delivery back at Lauren Bell, which flew for four runs.

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

Overcast conditions covered Guwahati, and the floodlights in use. Smith seemed in better rhythm than in her previous match yet served up a poor ball which Wolvaardt hit hard to the off-side boundary for a boundary.

First Over: South Africa 9 for no wicket (Wolvaardt 8, Brits 0)

Bell started the innings with a fresh cherry. Wolvaardt seized the opportunity, hitting the first ball with style past cover for a boundary. Another wide delivery was slashed for another boundary. Bell adjusted her length, allowing just one run 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 "red soil pitch", promising more bounce and assistance for the seamers.

Both teams have experienced inconsistent form in the competition so far. The English team are seen as the front-runners, however the Proteas are capable to cause an upset. 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 this thrilling encounter unfolds.