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The much-awaited knockout match featuring the English side and South Africa at the Women's World Cup is underway in Guwahati. The English squad clinched the toss and opted to bowl, hoping to put pressure on the South African batting lineup.

Notable Events

• National anthems were sung prior to the start, with South Africa's rousing song earning praise.
• Team Lineups were revealed and both sides naming competitive elevens.
• England won the toss and decided to field. Skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt stressed the need for trusting the process.
• Ecclestone has been declared fit to take part despite some discomfort.

Live Match Updates

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

Nat Sciver-Brunt brought herself on in place of Lauren Bell. Zero fours were conceded, thanks to quick work in the field by Tammy Beaumont near the rope.

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

Wolvaardt, looking in great touch, hit back-to-back fours off Smith. A full toss was sent through long off, followed by a loose ball through the covers.

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

A moment of hesitation almost resulted in Tazmin Brits her wicket, 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. Lauren Bell finished the over with a well-pitched ball that bounced past the bat.

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

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

Third Over: South Africa 19-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 12, Tazmin Brits 5)

A half-chance was not taken. Tazmin Brits hammered a ball toward Lauren Bell, that raced to the boundary.

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

Cloudy skies hovered over Guwahati, and the floodlights in use. Smith appeared more comfortable than in her previous match but bowled a loose delivery that Wolvaardt punished to the off-side boundary for a boundary.

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

Bell started the innings with a fresh cherry. Wolvaardt immediately took advantage, driving the first ball with style past cover for four. Another wide delivery was cut for four more runs. Bell adjusted her length, yielding only a single off a wide ball.

Match Preview

The playing surface reportedly differs from the one used in the earlier match. It is described as a "red soil pitch", promising extra bounce and assistance for the seamers.

The two sides have experienced inconsistent form in the competition so far. The English team are seen as the front-runners, but South Africa have the potential of springing a surprise. History shows the English side have won both previous semi-final meetings when these teams met.

“Roll up your sleeves, this is where it gets messy.” The pressure is on with both sides targeting a place in the final.

Stay tuned for further developments as the match unfolds.