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The highly anticipated knockout match featuring England and South Africa at the Women's World Cup is underway at the Guwahati stadium. The English squad clinched the toss and opted to bowl, aiming to put pressure on the South African batting lineup.

Notable Events

• Anthems were performed prior to the start, with South Africa's uplifting anthem receiving acclaim.
• Playing XIs were announced and both sides naming competitive lineups.
• The English team secured the toss and chose to bowl. Captain NSB stressed the need for trusting the process.
• Sophie Ecclestone is fit to play despite a bit of pain.

In-Play Action

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

NSB brought herself on in place of Lauren Bell. Zero fours were conceded, due to quick work in the field from Tammy Beaumont on the boundary.

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

Wolvaardt, who is in fine form, hit back-to-back fours from Smith. A full toss was dispatched to the off-side boundary, and then another poor delivery through the covers.

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

A moment of hesitation almost resulted in Tazmin Brits her wicket, but the fielding effort from NSB missed the stumps. Brits then responded by smashing a ball outside off through the covers for four. Bell finished the over with a well-pitched ball that bounced over Brits' bat.

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

Smith bowled a tidy over. Despite the previous opportunity, statistics show the English team are the best fielding side in the tournament.

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

A possible catch was not taken. Tazmin Brits struck fiercely a delivery back at Lauren Bell, that raced to the boundary.

Second Over: The Proteas 14-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 12, Tazmin Brits 1)

Overcast conditions covered Guwahati, and the floodlights were switched on. Smith seemed in better rhythm than in her previous match yet served up a poor ball which Wolvaardt punished through the covers for four.

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

Lauren Bell started the innings with the new ball. The South African batter immediately took advantage, driving the first ball with style through the covers for four. Another wide delivery was cut for another boundary. Bell adjusted her length, yielding only a single from a wide.

Pre-Match Build-Up

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, which should offer extra bounce and help for fast bowlers.

The two sides have had inconsistent form in the competition so far. The English team are seen as the front-runners, but the Proteas are capable 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 stakes are high as both teams aim for a spot in the championship match.

Stay tuned for more updates as this thrilling encounter unfolds.