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The much-awaited knockout match featuring England and South Africa in the Women’s Cricket World Cup has commenced at the Guwahati stadium. England clinched the toss and chose to field first, hoping to apply early pressure against their opponents' batting order.

Highlights

• National anthems were sung before the match, and South Africa's rousing anthem earning praise.
• Playing XIs were revealed with both sides fielding competitive lineups.
• The English team secured the toss and chose to bowl. Skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt stressed the importance of trusting the process.
• Sophie Ecclestone has been declared fit to play despite some discomfort.

In-Play Action

7th Over: The Proteas 41 for no loss (Laura Wolvaardt 24, Brits 13)

Nat Sciver-Brunt brought herself on in place of Bell. Zero fours were given away, thanks to some agile fielding by Tammy Beaumont near the rope.

Sixth Over: The Proteas 35-0 (Wolvaardt 22 runs, Tazmin Brits 10)

Wolvaardt, looking in great touch, hit two consecutive fours off Smith. One full-pitched delivery was dispatched through long off, and then another poor delivery through the covers.

5th Over: South Africa 27-0 (Wolvaardt 14 runs, Brits 10)

A moment of hesitation nearly cost Brits her wicket, but the throw from Nat Sciver-Brunt wasn't on target. She then responded by smashing a wide delivery through the covers for four. Lauren Bell finished the over with a well-pitched ball which rose past the bat.

Fourth Over: The Proteas 21-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 13 runs, Brits 6)

Linsey Smith bowled a tidy over. Even with the previous opportunity, reports indicate the English team are the best fielding side in this competition.

Third Over: The Proteas 19-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 12 runs, Tazmin Brits 5 runs)

A possible catch went begging. Brits struck fiercely a delivery toward Lauren Bell, which flew to the boundary.

Second Over: The Proteas 14 without loss (Laura Wolvaardt 12 runs, Brits 1)

Cloudy skies covered Guwahati, and the floodlights were switched on. Linsey Smith seemed in better rhythm than in her previous match yet bowled a poor ball which Wolvaardt hit hard through the covers for four.

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

Lauren Bell opened the bowling with the new ball. Wolvaardt seized the opportunity, hitting the initial delivery elegantly past cover for four. Another wide delivery was cut for another boundary. The bowler adjusted her length, yielding only a single from a wide.

Pre-Match Build-Up

The pitch is said to be different compared to the previous track in the earlier match. It is described as a surface with red soil, promising more bounce and help for fast bowlers.

The two sides have had inconsistent form in the competition so far. England are seen as the front-runners, but the Proteas have the potential to cause an upset. History shows the English side have won both previous semi-final meetings between the sides.

“Roll up your sleeves, this is where it gets messy.” The pressure is on as both teams targeting a spot in the championship match.

Stay tuned for further developments as this thrilling encounter unfolds.