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The eagerly awaited knockout match featuring the English side and the South African team in the Women’s Cricket World Cup has kicked off in Guwahati. England won the toss and chose to field first, hoping to apply early pressure against their opponents' batting order.

Notable Events

• National anthems were sung prior to the start, with the Proteas' uplifting song earning praise.
• Playing XIs were revealed with each team fielding competitive lineups.
• England secured the toss and chose to bowl. Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt emphasized the importance of trusting the process.
• Sophie Ecclestone has been declared fit to play despite a bit of pain.

Live Match Updates

7th Over: The Proteas 41 for no loss (Wolvaardt 24, Tazmin Brits 13)

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

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

Wolvaardt, looking in great touch, hit two consecutive boundaries from Smith. One full-pitched delivery was sent to the off-side boundary, and then another poor delivery through the covers.

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

A moment of hesitation almost resulted in Tazmin Brits her wicket, however the throw from Nat Sciver-Brunt wasn't on target. She then replied by smashing a wide delivery past cover for four. Lauren Bell finished the over with a sharp delivery which rose past the bat.

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

Linsey Smith delivered a controlled over. Despite the earlier chance, statistics show the English team are the best fielding side in this competition.

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

A half-chance went begging. Tazmin Brits struck fiercely a ball back at Lauren Bell, which flew to the boundary.

2nd Over: South Africa 14-0 (Wolvaardt 12, Brits 1)

Overcast conditions covered Guwahati, with the lights were switched on. Linsey Smith appeared more comfortable compared to earlier games but bowled a loose delivery that Wolvaardt hit hard through the covers for a boundary.

First Over: The Proteas 9-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 8 runs, Tazmin Brits 0 runs)

Bell opened the bowling with the new ball. The South African batter seized the opportunity, hitting the initial delivery elegantly past cover for four. Another wide delivery was slashed for four more runs. Bell then tightened her line, yielding only a single from a wide.

Match Preview

The pitch is said to be different from the one used in the teams' first encounter. It's been called a "red soil pitch", which should offer more bounce and help for the seamers.

The two sides have had mixed performances throughout the tournament. England are seen as the front-runners, but the Proteas are capable to cause an upset. Past records indicate the English side have won both previous semi-final meetings between the sides.

“Roll up your sleeves, this is where it gets messy.” The stakes are high as both teams targeting a place in the final.

Stay tuned for further developments as this thrilling encounter progresses.