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The much-awaited knockout match featuring England and South Africa in the Women’s Cricket World Cup is underway at the Guwahati stadium. The English squad won the toss and opted to bowl, aiming to apply early pressure against their opponents' batting order.

Highlights

• Anthems were performed before the match, with the Proteas' rousing anthem receiving acclaim.
• Playing XIs were revealed and both sides fielding competitive elevens.
• England won the toss and chose to bowl. Skipper NSB stressed the importance of trusting the process.
• Ecclestone has been declared fit to play despite a bit of pain.

Live Match Updates

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

Nat Sciver-Brunt brought herself on in place of Bell. Zero fours were conceded, due to quick work in the field by Beaumont on the boundary.

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

The South African opener, who is in fine form, hit two consecutive fours from Smith. A full toss was sent to the off-side boundary, followed by another poor delivery through the covers.

5th Over: The Proteas 27-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 14, Brits 10)

A brief mix-up nearly cost Brits a dismissal, but the throw by Nat Sciver-Brunt missed the stumps. She then replied by smashing a wide delivery through the covers to the boundary. Bell finished the over with a sharp delivery which rose past the bat.

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

Smith delivered a controlled over. Despite the previous opportunity, reports indicate the English team are the best fielding side in this competition.

Third Over: South Africa 19 for no loss (Wolvaardt 12, Brits 5)

A possible catch went begging. Tazmin Brits hammered a delivery toward Bell, that raced for four runs.

Second Over: The Proteas 14 without loss (Wolvaardt 12, Brits 1)

Cloudy skies covered the venue, and the floodlights in use. Smith appeared more comfortable compared to earlier games yet served up a poor ball that Wolvaardt punished through the covers for four.

1st Over: The Proteas 9-0 (Wolvaardt 8 runs, Tazmin Brits 0)

Lauren Bell started the innings with the new ball. Wolvaardt seized the opportunity, driving the initial delivery with style past cover for four. Another wide delivery was slashed for another boundary. Bell then tightened her line, yielding only a single off a wide ball.

Match Preview

The pitch is said to be different compared to the previous track in the earlier match. It's been called a surface with red soil, promising extra bounce and help for the seamers.

The two sides have had mixed performances in the competition so far. The English team are considered favourites, however the Proteas have the potential to cause an upset. Past records indicate that England have emerged victorious in earlier knockout clashes when these teams met.

“Roll up your sleeves, this is where it gets messy.” The pressure is on with both sides aim for a spot in the championship match.

Keep following for more updates as the match unfolds.