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The highly anticipated knockout match featuring England and the South African team at the Women's World Cup has commenced at the Guwahati stadium. The English squad clinched the toss and chose to field first, hoping to apply early pressure against the South African batting lineup.

Notable Events

• Anthems were performed prior to the start, with South Africa's uplifting anthem receiving acclaim.
• Playing XIs were revealed and each team naming competitive elevens.
• England secured the toss and decided to field. Skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt stressed the importance of sticking to their plans.
• Ecclestone is fit to play despite some discomfort.

In-Play Action

7th Over: The Proteas 41-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 24 runs, Tazmin Brits 13 runs)

Nat Sciver-Brunt brought herself on to replace Bell. Zero fours were conceded, due to quick work in the field from Tammy Beaumont on the boundary.

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

The South African opener, looking in great touch, hit two consecutive fours off Linsey Smith. A full toss was dispatched to the off-side boundary, and then another poor delivery through the covers.

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

A moment of hesitation almost resulted in Brits a dismissal, but the throw by NSB missed the stumps. Brits then responded by smashing a ball outside off through the covers for four. Bell ended the over with a sharp delivery that bounced past the bat.

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

Linsey Smith delivered a controlled over. Despite the previous opportunity, reports indicate that England are the best fielding side in this competition.

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

A possible catch went begging. Tazmin Brits struck fiercely a delivery toward Lauren Bell, that raced to the boundary.

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

Cloudy skies hovered over Guwahati, and the floodlights were switched on. Smith seemed in better rhythm compared to earlier games yet 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, Brits 0)

Lauren Bell opened the bowling with the new ball. The South African batter immediately took advantage, driving the initial delivery with style through the covers for four. Another wide delivery was slashed for four more runs. Bell then tightened her line, allowing just one run off a wide ball.

Pre-Match Build-Up

The pitch reportedly differs from the one used in the earlier match. It's been called a "red soil pitch", promising extra bounce and help for fast bowlers.

Both teams have had mixed performances in the competition so far. England are considered favourites, but the Proteas are capable of springing a surprise. History shows that England have won both previous semi-final meetings between the sides.

“Brace yourselves, things are about to get intense.” The pressure is on as both teams targeting a spot in the championship match.

Keep following for more updates as the match progresses.