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The much-awaited knockout match between the English side and the South African team at the Women's World Cup is underway at the Guwahati stadium. The English squad clinched the toss and opted to bowl, aiming to put pressure on the South African batting lineup.

Notable Events

• Anthems were performed before the match, with the Proteas' rousing anthem earning praise.
• Team Lineups were revealed with both sides fielding competitive lineups.
• The English team won the toss and chose to bowl. Skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt stressed the importance of trusting the process.
• Ecclestone is fit to play despite some discomfort.

In-Play Action

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

Nat Sciver-Brunt brought herself on to replace Bell. Zero fours were given away, due to some agile fielding from Beaumont on the boundary.

6th Over: South Africa 35-0 (Wolvaardt 22 runs, Brits 10 runs)

Wolvaardt, who is in fine form, hit two consecutive fours from Linsey Smith. A full toss was sent to the off-side boundary, and then a loose ball through cover point.

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

A moment of hesitation almost resulted in Brits a dismissal, however the throw from NSB missed the stumps. Brits then responded by smashing a ball outside off through the covers for four. Lauren Bell finished the over with a sharp delivery which rose past the bat.

4th Over: South Africa 21-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 13, Tazmin Brits 6)

Linsey Smith bowled a tidy over. Despite the previous opportunity, statistics show the English team are the best fielding side in the tournament.

3rd Over: South Africa 19-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 12, Tazmin Brits 5)

A half-chance was not taken. Brits struck fiercely a delivery toward Lauren Bell, which flew to the boundary.

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

Cloudy skies hovered over Guwahati, and the floodlights in use. Linsey Smith appeared more comfortable than in her previous match yet served up a loose delivery that Wolvaardt punished through the covers for four.

First Over: South Africa 9-0 (Wolvaardt 8 runs, Brits 0 runs)

Bell opened the bowling with the new ball. The South African batter seized the opportunity, driving the initial delivery elegantly past cover for four. Another wide delivery was cut for four more runs. The bowler then tightened her line, allowing just one run off a wide ball.

Match Preview

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", which should offer more bounce and assistance for fast bowlers.

Both teams have had mixed performances in the competition so far. England are seen as the front-runners, but the Proteas have the potential to cause an upset. Past records indicate that England have emerged victorious in both previous semi-final meetings between the sides.

“Brace yourselves, things are about to get intense.” The stakes are high as both teams targeting a place in the final.

Keep following for more updates as this thrilling encounter unfolds.