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The much-awaited knockout match between England and South Africa in the Women’s Cricket World Cup is underway in Guwahati. The English squad won the toss and chose to field first, hoping to put pressure on their opponents' batting order.

Notable Events

• Anthems were sung prior to the start, and South Africa's rousing anthem earning praise.
• Team Lineups were announced with each team fielding competitive elevens.
• England secured the toss and decided to field. Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt stressed the need for trusting the process.
• Sophie Ecclestone is fit to play despite some discomfort.

In-Play Action

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

Nat Sciver-Brunt brought herself on to replace Bell. No boundaries were conceded, due to some agile fielding from Tammy Beaumont near the rope.

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

Wolvaardt, who is in fine form, hit back-to-back fours from Smith. One full-pitched delivery was sent to the off-side boundary, and then another poor delivery through cover point.

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

A brief mix-up almost resulted in Tazmin Brits her wicket, but the throw by Nat Sciver-Brunt wasn't on target. Brits then replied by smashing a wide delivery past cover to the boundary. Lauren Bell finished the over with a well-pitched ball that bounced over Brits' bat.

Fourth Over: The Proteas 21-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 13 runs, Brits 6)

Smith delivered a controlled over. Even with the previous opportunity, statistics show the English team have the top fielding record in this competition.

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

A half-chance went begging. Tazmin Brits hammered a ball back at Lauren Bell, which flew for four runs.

2nd Over: The Proteas 14-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 12, Brits 1)

Cloudy skies hovered over Guwahati, with the lights were switched on. Smith seemed in better rhythm compared to earlier games but served up a loose delivery which Wolvaardt punished to the off-side boundary for a boundary.

1st Over: The Proteas 9 for no wicket (Wolvaardt 8, Brits 0 runs)

Lauren Bell opened the bowling with a fresh cherry. Wolvaardt seized the opportunity, driving the first ball with style through the covers for a boundary. A subsequent loose ball was cut for four more runs. Bell then tightened her line, yielding only a single from a wide.

Pre-Match Build-Up

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

Both teams have experienced inconsistent form in the competition so far. The English team are considered favourites, however South Africa have the potential to cause an upset. History shows that England 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.

Keep following for further developments as the match progresses.