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The eagerly awaited knockout match featuring the English side and South Africa at the Women's World Cup is underway at the Guwahati stadium. The English squad clinched the toss and opted to bowl, aiming to apply early pressure against the South African batting lineup.

Highlights

• Anthems were sung prior to the start, and South Africa's uplifting anthem receiving acclaim.
• Playing XIs were announced and each team fielding strong lineups.
• The English team secured the toss and chose to bowl. Captain NSB stressed the need for trusting the process.
• Sophie Ecclestone has been declared fit to take part even with some discomfort.

Live Match Updates

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

NSB brought herself on in place of Bell. Zero fours were given away, due to quick work in the field by Beaumont near the rope.

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

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

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

A moment of hesitation almost resulted in Tazmin Brits a dismissal, however the fielding effort by NSB missed the stumps. Brits then replied by smashing a ball outside off through the covers for four. Bell ended the over with a well-pitched ball which rose over Brits' bat.

Fourth Over: South Africa 21 without loss (Wolvaardt 13, Brits 6)

Smith delivered a controlled over. Even with the earlier chance, statistics show the English team are the best fielding side in the tournament.

3rd Over: The Proteas 19 for no loss (Laura Wolvaardt 12 runs, Brits 5)

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

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

Cloudy skies covered Guwahati, and the floodlights in use. Smith appeared more comfortable compared to earlier games yet served up a loose delivery that Wolvaardt hit hard to the off-side boundary for four.

First Over: South Africa 9-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 8, Brits 0 runs)

Lauren Bell started the innings with the new ball. Wolvaardt seized the opportunity, hitting the first ball with style past cover for a boundary. Another wide delivery was cut for another boundary. Bell then tightened her line, allowing just one run off a wide ball.

Match Preview

The pitch is said to be different compared to the previous track in the teams' first encounter. It's been called a surface with red soil, promising more 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, however South Africa are capable to cause an upset. History shows the English side have won earlier knockout clashes 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 more updates as the match unfolds.