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The eagerly awaited knockout match between England and South Africa in the Women’s Cricket World Cup is underway in Guwahati. England won the toss and chose to field first, hoping to put pressure on the South African batting lineup.

Highlights

• Anthems were performed before the match, with South Africa's uplifting anthem receiving acclaim.
• Team Lineups were announced and each team naming strong elevens.
• The English team secured the toss and chose to bowl. Skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt stressed the need for trusting the process.
• Sophie Ecclestone is fit to take part despite a bit of pain.

In-Play Action

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

NSB took over the bowling to replace Lauren Bell. Zero fours were given away, thanks to quick work in the field from Tammy Beaumont near the rope.

Sixth Over: The Proteas 35 without loss (Wolvaardt 22, Brits 10)

Wolvaardt, who is in fine form, struck back-to-back fours off Linsey Smith. One full-pitched delivery was sent to the off-side boundary, and then a loose ball through cover point.

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

A brief mix-up nearly cost Brits a dismissal, but the fielding effort from Nat Sciver-Brunt wasn't on target. Brits then replied by smashing a ball outside off through the covers for four. Bell ended the over with a sharp delivery which rose past the bat.

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

Linsey Smith delivered a controlled over. Even with the earlier chance, statistics show that England are the best fielding side in this competition.

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

A possible catch went begging. Tazmin Brits hammered a ball toward Lauren Bell, which flew for four runs.

Second Over: South Africa 14-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 12, Brits 1 run)

Cloudy skies covered the venue, and the floodlights in use. Linsey Smith seemed in better rhythm than in her previous match but bowled a loose delivery that Wolvaardt punished to the off-side boundary for a boundary.

1st Over: South Africa 9 for no wicket (Wolvaardt 8 runs, Tazmin Brits 0)

Bell opened the bowling with the new ball. The South African batter immediately took advantage, hitting the initial delivery elegantly through the covers for a boundary. Another wide delivery was cut for another boundary. The bowler then tightened her line, allowing just one run off a wide ball.

Pre-Match Build-Up

The pitch is said to be different compared to the previous track in the teams' first encounter. It's been called a "red soil pitch", promising extra bounce and help for the seamers.

The two sides have experienced inconsistent form in the competition so far. England are seen as the front-runners, however the Proteas have the potential of springing a surprise. History shows the English side have emerged victorious in both previous semi-final meetings between the sides.

“Brace yourselves, things are about to get intense.” The stakes are high with both sides targeting a spot in the championship match.

Keep following for more updates as this thrilling encounter unfolds.