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The much-awaited knockout match between England and the South African team in the Women’s Cricket World Cup is underway in Guwahati. England clinched the toss and opted to bowl, hoping to put pressure on their opponents' batting order.

Notable Events

• National anthems were performed before the match, and the Proteas' uplifting anthem earning praise.
• Playing XIs were announced and each team naming strong lineups.
• England won the toss and chose to bowl. Skipper NSB stressed the need for trusting the process.
• Sophie Ecclestone is fit to take part even with some discomfort.

Live Match Updates

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

Nat Sciver-Brunt took over the bowling to replace Bell. Zero fours were given away, due to some agile fielding by Beaumont on the boundary.

6th Over: South Africa 35-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 22, Tazmin Brits 10 runs)

The South African opener, who is in fine form, struck two consecutive boundaries off Smith. One full-pitched delivery was dispatched to the off-side boundary, followed by a loose ball through cover point.

5th Over: South Africa 27 for no wicket (Wolvaardt 14 runs, Tazmin Brits 10)

A brief mix-up nearly cost Brits her wicket, however the fielding effort from Nat Sciver-Brunt missed the stumps. Brits then replied with a powerful shot a ball outside off 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 without loss (Wolvaardt 13, Tazmin Brits 6 runs)

Smith delivered a controlled over. Despite the earlier chance, statistics show that England have the top fielding record in the tournament.

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

A possible catch was not taken. Brits struck fiercely a delivery back at Bell, that raced for four runs.

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

Cloudy skies covered the venue, with the lights in use. Linsey Smith seemed in better rhythm compared to earlier games yet served up a loose delivery that Wolvaardt punished through the covers for a boundary.

1st Over: South Africa 9-0 (Wolvaardt 8 runs, Brits 0 runs)

Bell opened the bowling with the new ball. Wolvaardt seized the opportunity, hitting the initial delivery with style past cover for a boundary. A subsequent loose ball was slashed for four more runs. Bell adjusted her length, yielding only a single off a wide ball.

Pre-Match Build-Up

The playing surface reportedly differs compared to the previous track in the teams' first encounter. It is described as a surface with red soil, promising more bounce and help for the seamers.

Both teams have had mixed performances in the competition so far. The English team are seen as the front-runners, however South Africa are capable of springing a surprise. History shows the English side have emerged victorious in both previous semi-final meetings between the sides.

“Roll up your sleeves, this is where it gets messy.” The pressure is on with both sides aim for a place in the final.

Keep following for further developments as the match unfolds.