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The highly anticipated knockout match between England and South Africa in the Women’s Cricket World Cup has kicked off at the Guwahati stadium. The English squad won the toss and opted to bowl, hoping to apply early pressure against their opponents' batting order.

Notable Events

• National anthems were performed prior to the start, with the Proteas' uplifting anthem receiving acclaim.
• Team Lineups were announced with each team fielding strong lineups.
• The English team won the toss and decided to field. Captain NSB emphasized the need for sticking to their plans.
• Sophie Ecclestone has been declared fit to play even with some discomfort.

In-Play Action

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

Nat Sciver-Brunt took over the bowling in place of 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 (Laura Wolvaardt 22 runs, Brits 10)

Wolvaardt, who is in fine form, hit two consecutive fours off Smith. One full-pitched delivery was sent to the off-side boundary, followed by another poor delivery through the covers.

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

A brief mix-up almost resulted in Tazmin Brits her wicket, however the fielding effort by NSB missed the stumps. Brits then replied by smashing a ball outside off through the covers to the boundary. Lauren Bell finished the over with a well-pitched ball that bounced over Brits' bat.

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

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

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

A half-chance was not taken. Brits struck fiercely a ball toward Lauren Bell, that raced for four runs.

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

Overcast conditions hovered over the venue, with the lights in use. Smith seemed in better rhythm than in her previous match but served up a poor ball which Wolvaardt hit hard to the off-side boundary for a boundary.

1st Over: South Africa 9 for no wicket (Wolvaardt 8, Brits 0 runs)

Bell opened the bowling with the new ball. The South African batter seized the opportunity, driving the first ball elegantly through the covers for a boundary. A subsequent loose ball was slashed for four more runs. Bell then tightened her line, yielding only a single from a wide.

Match Preview

The pitch reportedly differs from the one used in the teams' first encounter. It is described as a surface with red soil, promising extra bounce and help for fast bowlers.

The two sides have experienced mixed performances in the competition so far. The English team are considered favourites, but the Proteas are capable to cause an upset. History shows the English side have emerged victorious in earlier knockout clashes between the sides.

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

Stay tuned for further developments as the match unfolds.