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The highly anticipated knockout match featuring England and South Africa in the Women’s Cricket World Cup is underway in Guwahati. England won the toss and opted to bowl, hoping to put pressure on the South African batting lineup.

Notable Events

• National anthems were sung before the match, and the Proteas' uplifting song earning praise.
• Playing XIs were announced and each team naming strong lineups.
• The English team won the toss and chose to bowl. Captain NSB stressed the need for trusting the process.
• Ecclestone is fit to play despite a bit of pain.

In-Play Action

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

NSB brought herself on to replace Lauren Bell. No boundaries 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, looking in great touch, struck two consecutive boundaries from Smith. One full-pitched delivery was sent to the off-side boundary, followed by a loose ball through cover point.

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

A moment of hesitation nearly cost Tazmin Brits a dismissal, but the fielding effort from Nat Sciver-Brunt wasn't on target. Brits then responded by smashing a ball outside off past cover for four. Lauren Bell finished the over with a well-pitched ball that bounced past the bat.

4th Over: The Proteas 21 without loss (Wolvaardt 13 runs, Tazmin Brits 6 runs)

Smith bowled a tidy over. Even with the earlier chance, statistics show the English team are the best fielding side in this competition.

Third Over: South Africa 19 for no loss (Laura Wolvaardt 12, Brits 5)

A half-chance was not taken. Tazmin Brits hammered a ball back at Lauren Bell, which flew for four runs.

2nd Over: South Africa 14 without loss (Laura Wolvaardt 12, Tazmin Brits 1 run)

Overcast conditions hovered over Guwahati, with the lights in use. Smith appeared more comfortable compared to earlier games but served up a poor ball that Wolvaardt hit hard through the covers for a boundary.

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

Lauren Bell started the innings with a fresh cherry. Wolvaardt seized the opportunity, hitting the initial delivery with style past cover for a boundary. Another wide delivery was slashed for another boundary. Bell then tightened her line, allowing just one run off a wide ball.

Pre-Match Build-Up

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 help for fast bowlers.

Both teams have had mixed performances throughout the tournament. The English team are considered favourites, however the Proteas have the potential to cause an upset. History shows that England have emerged victorious in both previous semi-final meetings between the sides.

“Roll up your sleeves, this is where it gets messy.” The stakes are high with both sides targeting a place in the final.

Keep following for further developments as the match progresses.