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

Highlights

• Anthems were sung prior to the start, with South Africa's uplifting anthem receiving acclaim.
• Playing XIs were revealed with each team fielding strong lineups.
• England won the toss and chose to bowl. Skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt stressed the importance of sticking to their plans.
• Ecclestone has been declared fit to play even with a bit of pain.

Live Match Updates

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

NSB brought herself on to replace Lauren Bell. Zero fours were conceded, due to quick work in the field by Beaumont on the boundary.

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

The South African opener, looking in great touch, struck back-to-back fours from Smith. One full-pitched delivery was sent to the off-side boundary, followed by a loose ball through the covers.

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

A brief mix-up nearly cost Brits her wicket, however the fielding effort by Nat Sciver-Brunt missed the stumps. Brits then replied by smashing a wide delivery through the covers for four. Lauren Bell ended the over with a sharp delivery that bounced past the bat.

Fourth Over: South Africa 21 without loss (Wolvaardt 13 runs, Brits 6)

Linsey Smith delivered a controlled over. Even with the previous opportunity, reports indicate that England have the top fielding record in the tournament.

3rd Over: The Proteas 19-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 12, Brits 5 runs)

A possible catch went begging. Tazmin Brits hammered a delivery toward Lauren Bell, which flew for four runs.

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

Overcast conditions covered Guwahati, and the floodlights were switched on. Linsey Smith seemed in better rhythm than in her previous match but served up a poor ball that Wolvaardt punished to the off-side boundary for a boundary.

1st Over: South Africa 9 for no wicket (Laura Wolvaardt 8 runs, Tazmin Brits 0)

Bell opened the bowling with the new ball. The South African batter seized the opportunity, driving the first ball elegantly through the covers for a boundary. Another wide delivery was cut for four more runs. Bell then tightened her line, yielding only a single from a wide.

Pre-Match Build-Up

The playing surface is said to be different from the one used in the earlier match. It's been called a surface with red soil, which should offer more bounce and help for the seamers.

The two sides have experienced mixed performances in the competition so far. The English team are considered favourites, however South Africa have the potential to cause an upset. History shows the English side 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 further developments as this thrilling encounter progresses.