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The highly anticipated knockout match featuring the English side and the South African team at the Women's World Cup has kicked off at the Guwahati stadium. England won the toss and chose to field first, aiming to apply early pressure against their opponents' batting order.

Notable Events

• Anthems were performed before the match, with South Africa's uplifting song earning praise.
• Playing XIs were revealed with each team naming strong elevens.
• England secured the toss and chose to bowl. Skipper NSB stressed the need for sticking to their plans.
• Ecclestone has been declared fit to play even with a bit of pain.

Live Match Updates

7th Over: South Africa 41 for no loss (Wolvaardt 24 runs, Tazmin Brits 13)

Nat Sciver-Brunt brought herself on in place of Lauren Bell. Zero fours were conceded, due to quick work in the field from Beaumont on the boundary.

Sixth Over: The Proteas 35 without loss (Wolvaardt 22, Tazmin Brits 10 runs)

The South African opener, who is in fine form, struck back-to-back fours off Linsey Smith. A full toss was dispatched to the off-side boundary, and then another poor delivery through cover point.

5th Over: The Proteas 27-0 (Wolvaardt 14, Tazmin Brits 10 runs)

A brief mix-up almost resulted in Tazmin Brits her wicket, however the throw from NSB missed the stumps. Brits then replied by smashing a wide delivery past cover for four. Lauren Bell ended the over with a sharp delivery which rose over Brits' bat.

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

Linsey Smith bowled a tidy over. Despite the previous opportunity, statistics show the English team are the best fielding side in this competition.

3rd Over: South Africa 19 for no loss (Laura Wolvaardt 12 runs, Tazmin Brits 5)

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

Second Over: The Proteas 14 without loss (Wolvaardt 12, Brits 1)

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

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

Lauren Bell opened the bowling with a fresh cherry. Wolvaardt immediately took advantage, driving the first ball with style 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 playing surface is said to be different from the one used in the earlier match. It's been called a "red soil pitch", which should offer more bounce and assistance for the seamers.

Both teams have experienced inconsistent form in the competition so far. England are considered favourites, but the Proteas are capable to cause an upset. 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 aim for a place in the final.

Stay tuned for more updates as the match unfolds.