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The much-awaited knockout match between the English side and South Africa in the Women’s Cricket World Cup has commenced at the Guwahati stadium. England clinched the toss and chose to field first, aiming to put pressure on their opponents' batting order.

Notable Events

• Anthems were sung before the match, and the Proteas' uplifting song earning praise.
• Playing XIs were revealed and both sides naming competitive lineups.
• The English team secured the toss and decided to field. Skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt stressed the importance of trusting the process.
• Sophie Ecclestone has been declared fit to play despite a bit of pain.

Live Match Updates

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

Nat Sciver-Brunt brought herself on in place of Bell. Zero fours were given away, due to quick work in the field from Tammy Beaumont near the rope.

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

The South African opener, who is in fine form, struck two consecutive boundaries off Linsey Smith. One full-pitched delivery was sent to the off-side boundary, and then another poor delivery through the covers.

Fifth Over: The Proteas 27-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 14 runs, Brits 10)

A brief mix-up nearly cost Tazmin Brits her wicket, but the fielding effort from Nat Sciver-Brunt missed the stumps. She 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.

4th Over: South Africa 21 without loss (Laura Wolvaardt 13 runs, Tazmin Brits 6)

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

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

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

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

Cloudy skies covered the venue, and the floodlights in use. Smith seemed in better rhythm than in her previous match yet served up a poor ball that Wolvaardt punished to the off-side boundary for a boundary.

First Over: South Africa 9-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 8, Tazmin Brits 0)

Bell opened the bowling with the new ball. The South African batter seized the opportunity, driving the initial delivery with style through the covers for a boundary. A subsequent loose ball was slashed for another boundary. The bowler then tightened her line, allowing just one run off a wide ball.

Match Preview

The playing surface is said to be different compared to the previous track in the earlier match. It is described as a "red soil pitch", promising extra bounce and assistance for fast bowlers.

The two sides have experienced inconsistent form throughout the tournament. The English team are seen as the front-runners, but the Proteas have the potential of springing a surprise. Past records indicate the English side have won earlier knockout clashes when these teams met.

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

Stay tuned for more updates as the match unfolds.