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The eagerly awaited knockout match featuring the English side and South Africa in the Women’s Cricket World Cup has commenced at the Guwahati stadium. The English squad won the toss and chose to field first, hoping to apply early pressure against their opponents' batting order.

Key Moments

• Anthems were sung prior to the start, and the Proteas' uplifting anthem earning praise.
• Playing XIs were revealed with each team fielding competitive elevens.
• England won the toss and decided to field. Captain NSB emphasized the need for sticking to their plans.
• Sophie Ecclestone has been declared fit to play even with a bit of pain.

Live Match Updates

Seventh Over: The Proteas 41 for no loss (Laura Wolvaardt 24, Brits 13)

NSB brought herself on in place of Lauren Bell. No boundaries were given away, thanks to quick work in the field by Tammy Beaumont on the boundary.

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

The South African opener, looking in great touch, struck back-to-back boundaries off Smith. One full-pitched delivery was sent to the off-side boundary, followed by a loose ball through cover point.

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

A brief mix-up nearly cost Brits her wicket, but the throw by Nat Sciver-Brunt missed the stumps. She then replied with a powerful shot a wide delivery through the covers to the boundary. Bell finished the over with a sharp delivery that bounced past the bat.

Fourth Over: The Proteas 21 without loss (Wolvaardt 13 runs, Brits 6)

Smith bowled a tidy over. Even with the earlier chance, reports indicate that England are the best fielding side in this competition.

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

A half-chance was not taken. Brits struck fiercely a ball back at Lauren Bell, that raced for four runs.

Second Over: South Africa 14-0 (Wolvaardt 12 runs, Brits 1 run)

Overcast conditions hovered over Guwahati, with the lights in use. Smith appeared more comfortable than in her previous match yet served up a poor ball that Wolvaardt punished to the off-side boundary for a boundary.

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

Bell opened the bowling with a fresh cherry. Wolvaardt immediately took advantage, driving the initial delivery with style past cover for a boundary. A subsequent loose ball was slashed for another boundary. Bell adjusted her length, allowing just one run from a wide.

Pre-Match Build-Up

The playing surface reportedly differs from the one used in the teams' first encounter. It is described as a "red soil pitch", promising more bounce and help for fast bowlers.

The two sides have had inconsistent form in the competition so far. The English team are considered favourites, but the Proteas have the potential to cause an upset. History shows that England have emerged victorious in earlier knockout clashes when these teams met.

“Brace yourselves, things are about to get intense.” The stakes are high with both sides targeting a place in the final.

Stay tuned for more updates as this thrilling encounter unfolds.