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The eagerly awaited knockout match featuring England and the South African team at the Women's World Cup has commenced at the Guwahati stadium. The English squad won the toss and opted to bowl, aiming to put pressure on the South African batting lineup.

Notable Events

• National anthems were performed before the match, with the Proteas' uplifting song earning praise.
• Team Lineups were revealed with both sides fielding strong elevens.
• England secured the toss and chose to bowl. Captain NSB stressed the importance of trusting the process.
• Sophie Ecclestone has been declared fit to play even with some discomfort.

In-Play Action

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

NSB took over the bowling in place of Lauren Bell. Zero fours were conceded, due to some agile fielding from Tammy Beaumont on the boundary.

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

Wolvaardt, who is in fine form, hit back-to-back boundaries off Linsey Smith. One full-pitched delivery was dispatched to the off-side boundary, followed by another poor delivery through cover point.

5th Over: South Africa 27 for no wicket (Laura Wolvaardt 14, Tazmin Brits 10)

A brief mix-up almost resulted in Brits her wicket, however the fielding effort by Nat Sciver-Brunt wasn't on target. She then replied by smashing a wide delivery through the covers for four. Bell ended the over with a sharp delivery which rose past the bat.

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

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

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

A possible catch went begging. Brits struck fiercely a ball back at Bell, that raced for four runs.

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

Cloudy skies covered the venue, and the floodlights were switched on. Smith appeared more comfortable than in her previous match yet bowled a poor ball which Wolvaardt punished through the covers for four.

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

Bell started the innings with a fresh cherry. The South African batter seized the opportunity, hitting the first ball with style past cover for four. A subsequent loose ball was cut for another boundary. The bowler adjusted her length, allowing just one run off a wide ball.

Match Preview

The pitch is said to be different compared to the previous track in the earlier match. It's been called a surface with red soil, which should offer extra bounce and help for fast bowlers.

The two sides have had inconsistent form in the competition so far. The English team are seen as the front-runners, however the Proteas are capable of springing a surprise. Past records indicate the English side have emerged victorious in both previous semi-final meetings between the sides.

“Brace yourselves, things are about to get intense.” The pressure is on as both teams aim for a spot in the championship match.

Keep following for further developments as the match progresses.