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The much-awaited knockout match between the English side and South Africa in the Women’s Cricket World Cup is underway in Guwahati. The English squad clinched the toss and opted to bowl, aiming to apply early pressure against their opponents' batting order.

Key Moments

• Anthems were sung prior to the start, and South Africa's uplifting anthem receiving acclaim.
• Playing XIs were revealed with both sides naming strong elevens.
• The English team secured the toss and decided to field. Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt stressed the importance of trusting the process.
• Ecclestone has been declared fit to take part despite a bit of pain.

In-Play Action

7th Over: South Africa 41-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 24 runs, Brits 13 runs)

NSB brought herself on to replace Lauren Bell. No boundaries were given away, due to some agile fielding 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, struck back-to-back fours from Smith. One full-pitched delivery was dispatched through long off, and then a loose ball through cover point.

Fifth Over: South Africa 27 for no wicket (Laura Wolvaardt 14 runs, Brits 10 runs)

A brief mix-up almost resulted in Brits her wicket, but the fielding effort by Nat Sciver-Brunt missed the stumps. Brits then replied by smashing a ball outside off past cover to the boundary. Lauren Bell finished the over with a sharp delivery that bounced past the bat.

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

Linsey Smith delivered a controlled over. Even with the previous opportunity, statistics show that England have the top fielding record in the tournament.

3rd Over: The Proteas 19 for no loss (Wolvaardt 12, Brits 5 runs)

A half-chance was not taken. Tazmin Brits hammered a ball back at Bell, which flew to the boundary.

2nd Over: The Proteas 14 without loss (Wolvaardt 12, Brits 1 run)

Cloudy skies hovered over Guwahati, with the lights were switched on. Linsey Smith appeared more comfortable compared to earlier games but bowled a loose delivery which Wolvaardt hit hard through the covers for a boundary.

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

Lauren Bell opened the bowling with a fresh cherry. Wolvaardt seized the opportunity, hitting the first ball with style past cover for four. A subsequent loose ball was slashed for four more runs. Bell then tightened her line, allowing just one run off a wide ball.

Match Preview

The pitch is said to be different from the one used in the earlier match. It is described as a surface with red soil, promising more bounce and assistance for the seamers.

Both teams have experienced inconsistent form throughout the tournament. The English team are considered favourites, but South Africa are capable to cause an upset. History shows the English side have emerged victorious in earlier knockout clashes 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.