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The eagerly awaited knockout match between the English side and the South African team in the Women’s Cricket World Cup has commenced at the Guwahati stadium. England clinched the toss and opted to bowl, hoping to put pressure on their opponents' batting order.

Key Moments

• National anthems were performed before the match, and South Africa's uplifting song receiving acclaim.
• Playing XIs were announced with both sides naming competitive lineups.
• The English team secured the toss and chose to bowl. Skipper NSB emphasized the importance of sticking to their plans.
• Ecclestone has been declared fit to take part despite a bit of pain.

In-Play Action

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

NSB brought herself on to replace Lauren Bell. Zero fours were conceded, due to quick work in the field by Tammy Beaumont on the boundary.

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

Wolvaardt, who is in fine form, struck two consecutive fours from Smith. A full toss was sent through long off, and then another poor delivery through the covers.

5th Over: The Proteas 27 for no wicket (Wolvaardt 14, Tazmin Brits 10)

A moment of hesitation nearly cost Brits her wicket, but the fielding effort from NSB missed the stumps. She then responded by smashing a ball outside off through the covers for four. Bell ended the over with a well-pitched ball that bounced over Brits' bat.

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

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

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

A half-chance went begging. Tazmin Brits hammered a delivery back at Bell, that raced to the boundary.

Second Over: The Proteas 14-0 (Wolvaardt 12 runs, Brits 1 run)

Cloudy skies hovered over Guwahati, with the lights in use. Smith appeared more comfortable than in her previous match yet served up a poor ball which Wolvaardt hit hard to the off-side boundary for four.

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

Lauren Bell opened the bowling with the new ball. The South African batter seized the opportunity, hitting the first ball elegantly past cover for a boundary. A subsequent loose ball was cut for four more runs. Bell then tightened her line, yielding only a single off a wide ball.

Pre-Match Build-Up

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

The two sides have had mixed performances in the competition so far. The English team are considered favourites, but South Africa have the potential to cause an upset. History shows that England have won earlier knockout clashes between the sides.

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

Keep following for more updates as this thrilling encounter unfolds.