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The highly anticipated knockout match featuring England 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 before the match, with South Africa's uplifting anthem receiving acclaim.
• Playing XIs were revealed and each team fielding strong elevens.
• The English team won the toss and chose to bowl. Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt stressed the importance of sticking to their plans.
• Ecclestone is fit to take part despite a bit of pain.

Live Match Updates

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

NSB brought herself on to replace Lauren Bell. Zero fours were given away, due to quick work in the field by Tammy Beaumont near the rope.

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

Wolvaardt, who is in fine form, hit two consecutive boundaries from Smith. A full toss was sent through long off, and then another poor delivery through the covers.

5th Over: The Proteas 27 for no wicket (Wolvaardt 14, Tazmin Brits 10)

A brief mix-up nearly cost Brits her wicket, but the fielding effort by NSB missed the stumps. She then responded with a powerful shot a wide delivery through the covers for four. Lauren Bell ended the over with a well-pitched ball that bounced past the bat.

Fourth Over: South Africa 21-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 13, Tazmin Brits 6 runs)

Smith delivered a controlled over. Even with the earlier chance, statistics show the English team have the top fielding record in the tournament.

3rd Over: The Proteas 19-0 (Wolvaardt 12 runs, Brits 5 runs)

A half-chance was not taken. Brits struck fiercely a delivery toward Bell, that raced to the boundary.

2nd Over: The Proteas 14 without loss (Wolvaardt 12 runs, Brits 1)

Overcast conditions hovered over Guwahati, with the lights were switched on. Linsey Smith appeared more comfortable than in her previous match but served up a loose delivery that Wolvaardt punished to the off-side boundary for a boundary.

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

Lauren Bell opened the bowling with the new ball. The South African batter immediately took advantage, driving the first ball with style past cover for a boundary. A subsequent loose ball was slashed for four more runs. Bell then tightened her line, allowing just one run from a wide.

Pre-Match Build-Up

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

The two sides have experienced inconsistent form in the competition so far. The English team are seen as the front-runners, however South Africa are capable of springing a surprise. History shows that England have emerged victorious in earlier knockout clashes 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.

Keep following for further developments as this thrilling encounter unfolds.