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The much-awaited knockout match featuring 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.

Notable Events

• Anthems were performed prior to the start, with South Africa's uplifting anthem earning praise.
• Team Lineups were revealed with both sides naming strong elevens.
• The English team secured the toss and chose to bowl. Skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt stressed the need for trusting the process.
• Sophie Ecclestone has been declared fit to take part despite some discomfort.

In-Play Action

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

Nat Sciver-Brunt brought herself on to replace Lauren Bell. No boundaries were conceded, thanks to quick work in the field from Tammy Beaumont near the rope.

6th Over: The Proteas 35-0 (Wolvaardt 22, Tazmin Brits 10 runs)

Wolvaardt, looking in great touch, struck two consecutive boundaries off Smith. A full toss was dispatched through long off, and then another poor delivery through cover point.

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

A moment of hesitation nearly cost Tazmin Brits a dismissal, but the throw by Nat Sciver-Brunt missed the stumps. Brits then responded by smashing a ball outside off past cover for four. Bell finished the over with a well-pitched ball that bounced past the bat.

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

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

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

A possible catch went begging. Tazmin Brits hammered a ball toward Bell, that raced to the boundary.

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

Overcast conditions covered the venue, with the lights were switched on. Linsey Smith appeared more comfortable compared to earlier games but served up a poor ball which Wolvaardt hit hard through the covers for a boundary.

First Over: The Proteas 9-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 8 runs, Tazmin Brits 0 runs)

Lauren Bell started the innings with a fresh cherry. Wolvaardt seized the opportunity, driving the initial delivery elegantly past cover for a boundary. Another wide delivery was slashed for four more runs. Bell then tightened her line, allowing just one run from a wide.

Match Preview

The pitch is said to be different from the one used in the teams' first encounter. It's been called a "red soil pitch", which should offer more bounce and assistance for the seamers.

Both teams have had inconsistent form throughout the tournament. The English team are seen as the front-runners, but South Africa have the potential of springing a surprise. Past records indicate the English side have won both previous semi-final meetings between the sides.

“Roll up your sleeves, this is where it gets messy.” The pressure is on with both sides targeting a place in the final.

Keep following for more updates as the match progresses.