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The highly anticipated knockout match between England and the South African team in the Women’s Cricket World Cup has commenced at the Guwahati stadium. England clinched the toss and opted to bowl, aiming to apply early pressure against the South African batting lineup.

Key Moments

• Anthems were performed before the match, with South Africa's uplifting anthem earning praise.
• Team Lineups were announced and each team naming competitive lineups.
• The English team won the toss and chose to bowl. Skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt 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: The Proteas 41-0 (Wolvaardt 24, Tazmin Brits 13 runs)

NSB took over the bowling in place of Lauren Bell. No boundaries were conceded, due to some agile fielding by Tammy Beaumont near the rope.

Sixth Over: The Proteas 35-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 22, Brits 10 runs)

Wolvaardt, who is in fine form, struck back-to-back fours off Linsey Smith. A full toss was dispatched through long off, followed by a loose ball through cover point.

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

A moment of hesitation almost resulted in Brits her wicket, but the throw by NSB 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 which rose over Brits' bat.

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

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

Third Over: South Africa 19 for no loss (Wolvaardt 12, Brits 5 runs)

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

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

Overcast conditions hovered over the venue, and the floodlights were switched on. Linsey Smith appeared more comfortable compared to earlier games yet bowled a poor ball that Wolvaardt punished through the covers for four.

1st Over: The Proteas 9-0 (Wolvaardt 8 runs, Tazmin Brits 0)

Lauren Bell started the innings with a fresh cherry. The South African batter immediately took advantage, driving the first ball with style through the covers for a boundary. A subsequent loose ball was slashed for four more runs. Bell then tightened her line, yielding only a single off a wide ball.

Pre-Match Build-Up

The playing surface reportedly differs from the one used in the earlier match. It's been called a "red soil pitch", promising more bounce and assistance for fast bowlers.

Both teams have experienced inconsistent form in the competition so far. The English team are considered favourites, but South Africa have the potential to cause an upset. Past records indicate that England have won earlier knockout clashes between the sides.

“Brace yourselves, things are about to get intense.” The pressure is on as both teams targeting a spot in the championship match.

Keep following for more updates as this thrilling encounter unfolds.