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The highly anticipated knockout match featuring England and South Africa at the Women's World Cup has commenced at the Guwahati stadium. England won the toss and opted to bowl, aiming to apply early pressure against the South African batting lineup.

Key Moments

• Anthems were performed before the match, and the Proteas' uplifting anthem earning praise.
• Team Lineups were announced with both sides fielding strong lineups.
• England secured the toss and decided to field. Skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt emphasized the need for sticking to their plans.
• Ecclestone is fit to take part despite a bit of pain.

Live Match Updates

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

Nat Sciver-Brunt brought herself on to replace Bell. No boundaries were conceded, due to quick work in the field from Beaumont on the boundary.

6th Over: The Proteas 35-0 (Wolvaardt 22 runs, Brits 10)

Wolvaardt, looking in great touch, struck two consecutive boundaries from Linsey Smith. A full toss was dispatched through long off, and then a loose ball through cover point.

5th Over: The Proteas 27 for no wicket (Wolvaardt 14 runs, Brits 10 runs)

A brief mix-up nearly cost Brits her wicket, however the throw by NSB wasn't on target. Brits then responded by smashing a ball outside off past cover for four. Bell finished the over with a well-pitched ball that bounced over Brits' bat.

4th Over: The Proteas 21-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 13 runs, Tazmin Brits 6 runs)

Linsey Smith bowled a tidy over. Even with the earlier chance, statistics show the English team are the best fielding side in this competition.

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

A half-chance went begging. Brits hammered a ball back at Bell, which flew to the boundary.

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

Overcast conditions hovered over Guwahati, with the lights were switched on. Linsey Smith appeared more comfortable than in her previous match but bowled a poor ball which Wolvaardt hit hard to the off-side boundary for a boundary.

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

Bell started the innings with the new ball. The South African batter immediately took advantage, hitting the first ball elegantly past cover for a boundary. Another wide delivery was slashed for another boundary. Bell then tightened her line, yielding only a single from a wide.

Match Preview

The pitch is said to be different from the one used in the teams' first encounter. It is described as a surface with red soil, which should offer more bounce and assistance for the seamers.

Both teams have experienced mixed performances throughout the tournament. The English team are seen as the front-runners, however the Proteas are capable to cause an upset. Past records indicate that England have won earlier knockout clashes when these teams met.

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

Keep following for more updates as this thrilling encounter unfolds.