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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. The English squad won the toss and chose to field first, aiming to apply early pressure against their opponents' batting order.

Highlights

• National anthems were performed before the match, with South Africa's rousing anthem receiving acclaim.
• Team Lineups were announced with each team naming strong elevens.
• The English team secured the toss and decided to field. Captain NSB emphasized the need for trusting the process.
• Sophie Ecclestone is fit to play even with some discomfort.

In-Play Action

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

Nat Sciver-Brunt brought herself on to replace Bell. Zero fours were given away, thanks to some agile fielding by Tammy Beaumont near the rope.

6th Over: The Proteas 35 without loss (Wolvaardt 22 runs, Tazmin Brits 10)

Wolvaardt, who is in fine form, hit back-to-back boundaries from Smith. A full toss was dispatched through long off, and then another poor delivery through cover point.

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

A brief mix-up almost resulted in Brits her wicket, however the fielding effort by NSB missed the stumps. Brits then responded with a powerful shot a ball outside off through the covers for four. Lauren Bell ended the over with a well-pitched ball which rose over Brits' bat.

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

Smith delivered a controlled over. Despite the earlier chance, reports indicate that England have the top fielding record in this competition.

3rd Over: South Africa 19-0 (Wolvaardt 12 runs, Brits 5 runs)

A possible catch went begging. Brits struck fiercely a ball toward Bell, that raced for four runs.

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

Overcast conditions hovered over the venue, with the lights in use. Linsey Smith seemed in better rhythm compared to earlier games but bowled a loose delivery which Wolvaardt hit hard through the covers for four.

First Over: The Proteas 9 for no wicket (Wolvaardt 8 runs, Tazmin Brits 0 runs)

Lauren Bell started the innings with a fresh cherry. Wolvaardt seized the opportunity, driving the initial delivery elegantly past cover for four. A subsequent loose ball was slashed for four more runs. Bell then tightened her line, yielding only a single off a wide ball.

Pre-Match Build-Up

The playing surface reportedly differs from the one used in the teams' first encounter. It is described as a surface with red soil, promising more bounce and help for fast bowlers.

Both teams have experienced inconsistent form in the competition so far. The English team are considered favourites, but South Africa are capable to cause an upset. Past records indicate the English side 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 place in the final.

Keep following for further developments as the match unfolds.