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The highly anticipated knockout match featuring England and South Africa in the Women’s Cricket World Cup has commenced in Guwahati. England clinched the toss and opted to bowl, hoping to apply early pressure against their opponents' batting order.

Highlights

• National anthems were sung prior to the start, with South Africa's uplifting anthem receiving acclaim.
• Team Lineups were announced and both sides naming strong lineups.
• The English team won the toss and chose to bowl. Skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt emphasized the importance of sticking to their plans.
• Ecclestone is fit to play even with some discomfort.

Live Match Updates

Seventh Over: South Africa 41 for no loss (Laura Wolvaardt 24 runs, Brits 13)

NSB brought herself on to replace Bell. Zero fours were conceded, due to quick work in the field by Tammy Beaumont on the boundary.

Sixth Over: South Africa 35 without loss (Laura Wolvaardt 22 runs, Brits 10)

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

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

A moment of hesitation almost resulted in Brits her wicket, but the fielding effort by Nat Sciver-Brunt missed the stumps. Brits then replied with a powerful shot a wide delivery past cover to the boundary. Bell ended the over with a sharp delivery that bounced over Brits' bat.

Fourth Over: South Africa 21-0 (Wolvaardt 13, Tazmin Brits 6)

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

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

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

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

Overcast conditions covered the venue, with the lights in use. Linsey Smith appeared more comfortable compared to earlier games but bowled a poor ball which Wolvaardt punished to the off-side boundary for four.

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

Lauren Bell opened the bowling with a fresh cherry. The South African batter seized the opportunity, hitting the initial delivery elegantly past cover for four. A subsequent loose ball was slashed for another boundary. Bell adjusted her length, allowing just one run off a wide ball.

Pre-Match Build-Up

The playing surface reportedly differs compared to the previous track in the teams' first encounter. It's been called a surface with red soil, promising extra bounce and assistance for fast bowlers.

Both teams have had inconsistent form in the competition so far. England are seen as the front-runners, but South Africa have the potential to cause an upset. History shows that England have won 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 spot in the championship match.

Stay tuned for more updates as this thrilling encounter unfolds.