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The much-awaited knockout match between England and South Africa at the Women's World Cup has kicked off at the Guwahati stadium. England clinched the toss and chose to field first, aiming to apply early pressure against the South African batting lineup.

Key Moments

• National anthems were sung before the match, with South Africa's rousing anthem earning praise.
• Team Lineups were announced and each team fielding competitive elevens.
• England secured the toss and chose to bowl. Skipper NSB emphasized the importance of sticking to their plans.
• Sophie Ecclestone has been declared fit to play even with a bit of pain.

In-Play Action

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

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

Sixth Over: South Africa 35-0 (Wolvaardt 22, Brits 10)

Wolvaardt, looking in great touch, hit two consecutive fours off Linsey Smith. A full toss was sent to the off-side boundary, followed by another poor delivery through the covers.

Fifth Over: South Africa 27-0 (Wolvaardt 14 runs, Tazmin Brits 10 runs)

A moment of hesitation almost resulted in Brits her wicket, however the fielding effort from Nat Sciver-Brunt missed the stumps. She then responded with a powerful shot a ball outside off past cover to the boundary. Lauren Bell ended the over with a well-pitched ball that bounced past the bat.

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

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

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

A half-chance went begging. Brits struck fiercely a delivery back at Lauren Bell, that raced to the boundary.

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

Cloudy skies hovered over Guwahati, with the lights in use. Smith seemed in better rhythm compared to earlier games but served up a poor ball which Wolvaardt punished through the covers for a boundary.

1st Over: The Proteas 9 for no wicket (Wolvaardt 8 runs, Tazmin Brits 0)

Bell started the innings with the new ball. Wolvaardt immediately took advantage, hitting the initial delivery with style past cover for a boundary. Another wide delivery was cut for another boundary. The bowler adjusted her length, yielding only a single from a wide.

Match Preview

The playing surface is said to be different compared to the previous track in the teams' first encounter. It's been called a "red soil pitch", which should offer more bounce and assistance for fast bowlers.

Both teams have experienced mixed performances throughout the tournament. England are seen as the front-runners, however South Africa have the potential to cause an upset. History shows that England have won earlier knockout clashes when these teams met.

“Brace yourselves, things are about to get intense.” The stakes are high with both sides targeting a place in the final.

Stay tuned for further developments as the match progresses.