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The eagerly awaited knockout match featuring England and the South African team at the Women's World Cup has commenced at the Guwahati stadium. England won the toss and opted to bowl, hoping to apply early pressure against their opponents' batting order.

Highlights

• Anthems were performed prior to the start, and South Africa's uplifting song earning praise.
• Team Lineups were revealed and each team naming competitive elevens.
• England secured the toss and decided to field. Skipper NSB stressed the importance of sticking to their plans.
• Sophie Ecclestone has been declared fit to play despite a bit of pain.

Live Match Updates

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

NSB brought herself on in place of Bell. No boundaries were conceded, thanks to some agile fielding by Tammy Beaumont near the rope.

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

Wolvaardt, who is in fine form, struck back-to-back boundaries from Smith. One full-pitched delivery was dispatched to the off-side boundary, followed by another poor delivery through cover point.

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

A moment of hesitation nearly cost Brits a dismissal, but the fielding effort from Nat Sciver-Brunt missed the stumps. Brits then replied with a powerful shot a ball outside off past cover to the boundary. Bell ended the over with a sharp delivery that bounced past the bat.

4th Over: South Africa 21-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 13 runs, Brits 6)

Smith bowled a tidy over. Even with the previous opportunity, statistics show the English team have the top fielding record in the tournament.

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

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

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

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

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

Lauren Bell opened the bowling with the new ball. Wolvaardt seized the opportunity, driving the first ball elegantly through the covers for four. A subsequent loose ball was slashed for another boundary. Bell then tightened her line, yielding only a single from a wide.

Match Preview

The pitch reportedly differs compared to the previous track in the teams' first encounter. It is described as a surface with red soil, promising extra bounce and assistance for the seamers.

The two sides have had mixed performances throughout the tournament. The English team are considered favourites, however South Africa have the potential of springing a surprise. History shows the English side have emerged victorious in both previous semi-final meetings between the sides.

“Roll up your sleeves, this is where it gets messy.” The stakes are high as both teams aim for a place in the final.

Keep following for further developments as this thrilling encounter progresses.