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The highly anticipated knockout match between England and the South African team at the Women's World Cup has commenced in Guwahati. England won the toss and chose to field first, aiming to apply early pressure against their opponents' batting order.

Key Moments

• Anthems were sung before the match, with South Africa's uplifting anthem earning praise.
• Team Lineups were revealed and each team naming competitive elevens.
• The English team won the toss and decided to field. Skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt stressed the importance of sticking to their plans.
• Ecclestone is fit to take part even with some discomfort.

In-Play Action

Seventh Over: South Africa 41-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 24 runs, Tazmin Brits 13 runs)

NSB took over the bowling in place of Bell. Zero fours were conceded, thanks to quick work in the field from Beaumont near the rope.

6th Over: South Africa 35 without loss (Laura Wolvaardt 22 runs, Brits 10)

The South African opener, looking in great touch, hit back-to-back fours from Smith. A full toss was dispatched through long off, followed by a loose ball through the covers.

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

A moment of hesitation almost resulted in Tazmin Brits a dismissal, however the fielding effort by Nat Sciver-Brunt missed the stumps. She then replied with a powerful shot a wide delivery past cover for four. Bell ended the over with a sharp delivery that bounced over Brits' bat.

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

Linsey Smith delivered a controlled over. Even with the earlier chance, reports indicate that England have the top fielding record in the tournament.

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

A possible catch went begging. Tazmin Brits hammered a delivery back at Lauren Bell, which flew to the boundary.

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

Overcast conditions hovered over the venue, and the floodlights in use. Linsey Smith appeared more comfortable compared to earlier games but served up a loose delivery that Wolvaardt punished to the off-side boundary for four.

First Over: South Africa 9 for no wicket (Wolvaardt 8 runs, Brits 0)

Lauren Bell started the innings with a fresh cherry. The South African batter immediately took advantage, hitting the first ball with style past cover for four. A subsequent loose ball was slashed for another boundary. The bowler adjusted her length, allowing just one run from a wide.

Match Preview

The pitch reportedly differs compared to the previous track in the earlier match. It is described as a surface with red soil, promising more bounce and help for the seamers.

Both teams have experienced mixed performances in the competition so far. England are considered favourites, however South Africa are capable to cause an upset. History shows that England have emerged victorious in earlier knockout clashes when these teams met.

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

Keep following for more updates as the match unfolds.