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The highly anticipated knockout match between England and South Africa at the Women's World Cup has kicked off in Guwahati. The English squad clinched the toss and chose to field first, hoping to apply early pressure against the South African batting lineup.

Highlights

• Anthems were sung prior to the start, and South Africa's rousing song earning praise.
• Playing XIs were revealed and both sides fielding strong elevens.
• England won the toss and decided to field. Skipper NSB emphasized the need for sticking to their plans.
• Sophie Ecclestone is fit to play despite a bit of pain.

In-Play Action

7th Over: South Africa 41 for no loss (Wolvaardt 24 runs, Tazmin Brits 13)

NSB brought herself on to replace Bell. Zero fours were conceded, thanks to some agile fielding by Tammy Beaumont on the boundary.

6th Over: South Africa 35-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 22, Brits 10)

The South African opener, looking in great touch, hit two consecutive fours from Linsey Smith. A full toss was sent through long off, followed by another poor delivery through the covers.

Fifth Over: The Proteas 27-0 (Wolvaardt 14 runs, Tazmin Brits 10)

A moment of hesitation almost resulted in Tazmin Brits a dismissal, but the fielding effort from NSB wasn't on target. Brits then replied by smashing a ball outside off through the covers for four. Bell finished the over with a well-pitched ball which rose past the bat.

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

Smith delivered a controlled over. Despite the earlier chance, reports indicate the English team are the best fielding side in the tournament.

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

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

Second Over: The Proteas 14 without loss (Laura Wolvaardt 12, Tazmin Brits 1 run)

Overcast conditions hovered over the venue, and the floodlights were switched on. Linsey Smith seemed in better rhythm compared to earlier games but bowled a poor ball that Wolvaardt punished to the off-side boundary for four.

1st Over: South Africa 9-0 (Wolvaardt 8, Tazmin Brits 0 runs)

Lauren Bell opened the bowling with a fresh cherry. The South African batter immediately took advantage, hitting the first ball elegantly through the covers for a boundary. A subsequent loose ball was cut for four more runs. Bell then tightened her line, yielding only a single off a wide ball.

Pre-Match Build-Up

The playing surface is said to be different compared to the previous track in the earlier match. It's been called a surface with red soil, promising more bounce and help for fast bowlers.

The two sides have had inconsistent form in the competition so far. The English team are seen as the front-runners, but South Africa have the potential to cause an upset. History shows the English side have won both previous semi-final meetings between the sides.

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

Keep following for further developments as the match unfolds.