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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 their opponents' batting order.

Highlights

• National anthems were sung before the match, with South Africa's rousing anthem receiving acclaim.
• Playing XIs were announced with each team naming strong elevens.
• The English team secured the toss and decided to field. Captain NSB emphasized the importance of trusting the process.
• Sophie Ecclestone is fit to take part even with a bit of pain.

In-Play Action

7th Over: The Proteas 41-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 24, Brits 13)

Nat Sciver-Brunt took over the bowling to replace Bell. No boundaries were conceded, thanks to quick work in the field from Beaumont near the rope.

Sixth Over: South Africa 35 without loss (Wolvaardt 22 runs, Brits 10 runs)

The South African opener, looking in great touch, hit back-to-back fours off Linsey Smith. A full toss was dispatched to the off-side boundary, and then another poor delivery through cover point.

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

A brief mix-up almost resulted in Brits her wicket, however the fielding effort by NSB wasn't on target. Brits then replied by smashing a wide delivery past cover for four. Lauren Bell finished the over with a well-pitched ball that bounced over Brits' bat.

Fourth Over: The Proteas 21-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 13 runs, Tazmin Brits 6 runs)

Linsey Smith bowled a tidy over. Despite the earlier chance, reports indicate that England are the best fielding side in the tournament.

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

A half-chance went begging. Brits struck fiercely a ball toward Bell, which flew to the boundary.

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

Cloudy skies hovered over the venue, and the floodlights in use. Smith seemed in better rhythm compared to earlier games yet served up a poor ball which Wolvaardt hit hard to the off-side boundary for four.

1st Over: The Proteas 9 for no wicket (Wolvaardt 8 runs, Tazmin Brits 0)

Lauren Bell started the innings with the new ball. The South African batter seized the opportunity, driving the first ball with style past cover for four. Another wide delivery was cut for another boundary. The bowler adjusted her length, yielding only a single 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 more bounce and help for fast bowlers.

The two sides have had inconsistent form throughout the tournament. The English team are seen as the front-runners, but South Africa have the potential to cause an upset. History shows that England have won both previous semi-final meetings when these teams met.

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

Stay tuned for more updates as the match progresses.