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The highly anticipated knockout match featuring the English side and the South African team at the Women's World Cup is underway at the Guwahati stadium. The English squad clinched the toss and chose to field first, hoping to apply early pressure against their opponents' batting order.

Highlights

• Anthems were performed before the match, with South Africa's uplifting anthem receiving acclaim.
• Playing XIs were announced and both sides fielding strong lineups.
• The English team won the toss and chose to bowl. Captain NSB emphasized the importance of trusting the process.
• Sophie Ecclestone is fit to take part even with some discomfort.

Live Match Updates

7th Over: South Africa 41 for no loss (Laura Wolvaardt 24 runs, Tazmin Brits 13)

Nat Sciver-Brunt took over the bowling to replace Bell. Zero fours were given away, due to some agile fielding from Tammy Beaumont near the rope.

Sixth Over: South Africa 35 without loss (Laura Wolvaardt 22 runs, Tazmin Brits 10 runs)

Wolvaardt, looking in great touch, struck back-to-back fours off Linsey Smith. A full toss was dispatched to the off-side boundary, followed by another poor delivery through cover point.

5th Over: The Proteas 27-0 (Wolvaardt 14 runs, Tazmin Brits 10 runs)

A brief mix-up almost resulted in Tazmin Brits a dismissal, however the throw from Nat Sciver-Brunt missed the stumps. Brits then replied by smashing a ball outside off past cover for four. Lauren Bell ended the over with a well-pitched ball that bounced past the bat.

Fourth Over: South Africa 21 without loss (Laura Wolvaardt 13, Tazmin Brits 6)

Smith delivered a controlled over. Despite the previous opportunity, statistics show that England are the best fielding side in the tournament.

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

A half-chance went begging. Brits hammered a delivery back at Lauren Bell, which flew to the boundary.

2nd Over: South Africa 14-0 (Wolvaardt 12 runs, Tazmin Brits 1 run)

Overcast conditions hovered over Guwahati, with the lights in use. Linsey Smith appeared more comfortable than in her previous match but bowled a loose delivery which Wolvaardt hit hard through the covers for a boundary.

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

Bell started the innings with a fresh cherry. Wolvaardt immediately took advantage, driving the first ball elegantly past cover for a boundary. A subsequent loose ball was cut for four more runs. The bowler then tightened her line, allowing just one run from a wide.

Match Preview

The pitch reportedly differs compared to the previous track in the teams' first encounter. It is described as a surface with red soil, which should offer more bounce and help for fast bowlers.

Both teams have had mixed performances throughout the tournament. The English team are considered favourites, however South Africa are capable of springing a surprise. History shows the English side have won both previous semi-final meetings between the sides.

“Brace yourselves, things are about to get intense.” The stakes are high as both teams aim for a place in the final.

Stay tuned for further developments as the match progresses.