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The eagerly awaited knockout match featuring the English side and the South African team in the Women’s Cricket World Cup has commenced in Guwahati. England won the toss and chose to field first, aiming to put pressure on the South African batting lineup.

Key Moments

• Anthems were sung prior to the start, with South Africa's uplifting song receiving acclaim.
• Team Lineups were announced and both sides fielding competitive elevens.
• England won the toss and decided to field. Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt emphasized the importance of sticking to their plans.
• Ecclestone has been declared fit to take part despite some discomfort.

Live Match Updates

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

NSB brought herself on to replace Bell. No boundaries were conceded, due to some agile fielding by Tammy Beaumont on the boundary.

6th Over: The Proteas 35 without loss (Wolvaardt 22 runs, Tazmin Brits 10 runs)

The South African opener, looking in great touch, struck back-to-back boundaries off Linsey Smith. A full toss was dispatched to the off-side boundary, and then a loose ball through cover point.

Fifth Over: The Proteas 27 for no wicket (Wolvaardt 14, Brits 10)

A brief mix-up almost resulted in Tazmin Brits a dismissal, however the fielding effort from NSB missed the stumps. Brits then responded by smashing a wide delivery through the covers to the boundary. Bell ended the over with a sharp delivery that bounced over Brits' bat.

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

Smith bowled a tidy over. Despite the previous opportunity, reports indicate that England are the best fielding side in the tournament.

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

A possible catch was not taken. Tazmin Brits struck fiercely a delivery back at Bell, which flew for four runs.

Second Over: The Proteas 14-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 12 runs, Tazmin Brits 1)

Cloudy skies covered Guwahati, with the lights in use. Smith seemed in better rhythm compared to earlier games yet served up a loose delivery that Wolvaardt hit hard to the off-side boundary for four.

1st Over: The Proteas 9-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 8 runs, Tazmin Brits 0 runs)

Lauren Bell opened the bowling with the new ball. The South African batter immediately took advantage, driving the first ball with style past cover for four. A subsequent loose ball was slashed for four more runs. Bell then tightened her line, allowing just one run off a wide ball.

Match Preview

The playing surface reportedly differs from the one used in the teams' first encounter. It is described as a surface with red soil, which should offer extra bounce and assistance for fast bowlers.

Both teams have had mixed performances throughout the tournament. England are seen as the front-runners, however the Proteas are capable of springing a surprise. 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 pressure is on as both teams targeting a place in the final.

Stay tuned for more updates as the match progresses.