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The highly anticipated knockout match between England 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 put pressure on their opponents' batting order.

Notable Events

• Anthems were performed before the match, with South Africa's rousing song earning praise.
• Playing XIs were announced and each team naming competitive lineups.
• The English team won the toss and decided to field. Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt emphasized the need for sticking to their plans.
• Sophie Ecclestone has been declared fit to play even with a bit of pain.

In-Play Action

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

NSB took over the bowling to replace Lauren Bell. Zero fours were conceded, thanks to some agile fielding from Tammy Beaumont near the rope.

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

Wolvaardt, who is in fine form, struck two consecutive boundaries off Linsey Smith. One full-pitched delivery was sent through long off, followed by a loose ball through cover point.

5th Over: South Africa 27 for no wicket (Wolvaardt 14 runs, Tazmin Brits 10)

A moment of hesitation almost resulted in Brits a dismissal, however the throw from NSB wasn't on target. She then replied with a powerful shot a ball outside off through the covers to the boundary. Bell finished the over with a sharp delivery that bounced past the bat.

4th Over: South Africa 21 without loss (Laura Wolvaardt 13, Brits 6 runs)

Smith bowled a tidy over. Even with the previous opportunity, reports indicate the English team have the top fielding record in this competition.

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

A half-chance went begging. Brits hammered a ball toward Lauren Bell, that raced to the boundary.

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

Overcast conditions hovered over Guwahati, and the floodlights were switched on. Smith seemed in better rhythm than in her previous match but served up a loose delivery that Wolvaardt punished to the off-side boundary for four.

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

Bell started the innings with a fresh cherry. Wolvaardt immediately took advantage, driving the initial delivery with style through the covers for a boundary. Another wide delivery was slashed for another boundary. Bell then tightened her line, yielding only a single from a wide.

Pre-Match Build-Up

The pitch reportedly differs from the one used in the teams' first encounter. It's been called a "red soil pitch", which should offer extra bounce and assistance for the seamers.

The two sides have had mixed performances in the competition so far. The English team are seen as the front-runners, but the Proteas have the potential of springing a surprise. Past records indicate that England have emerged victorious in earlier knockout clashes when these teams met.

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

Stay tuned for more updates as the match progresses.