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The highly anticipated knockout match featuring England and South Africa in the Women’s Cricket World Cup has commenced at the Guwahati stadium. The English squad clinched the toss and opted to bowl, hoping to apply early pressure against the South African batting lineup.

Highlights

• National anthems were performed before the match, with South Africa's rousing song receiving acclaim.
• Playing XIs were announced with each team fielding competitive lineups.
• The English team won the toss and decided to field. Skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt stressed the importance of trusting the process.
• Ecclestone has been declared fit to play despite some discomfort.

Live Match Updates

7th Over: South Africa 41-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 24, Tazmin Brits 13)

Nat Sciver-Brunt took over the bowling to replace Bell. No boundaries were given away, due to quick work in the field from Beaumont on the boundary.

6th Over: The Proteas 35-0 (Wolvaardt 22, Brits 10 runs)

Wolvaardt, who is in fine form, struck two consecutive boundaries from Linsey Smith. A full toss was dispatched through long off, and then another poor delivery through the covers.

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

A moment of hesitation nearly cost Tazmin Brits her wicket, however the fielding effort from Nat Sciver-Brunt wasn't on target. She then replied with a powerful shot a wide delivery through the covers to the boundary. Bell finished the over with a sharp delivery which rose over Brits' bat.

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

Smith delivered a controlled over. Even with the previous opportunity, statistics show the English team are the best fielding side in the tournament.

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

A possible catch was not taken. Tazmin Brits hammered a ball toward Bell, that raced for four runs.

2nd Over: South Africa 14 without loss (Laura Wolvaardt 12, Tazmin Brits 1)

Overcast conditions covered Guwahati, with the lights in use. Linsey Smith seemed in better rhythm than in her previous match but served up a poor ball that Wolvaardt punished to the off-side boundary for four.

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

Lauren Bell opened the bowling with the new ball. Wolvaardt seized the opportunity, hitting the initial delivery with style through the covers for four. A subsequent loose ball was cut for another boundary. Bell adjusted her length, yielding only a single from a wide.

Pre-Match Build-Up

The playing surface is said to be different compared to the previous track in the teams' first encounter. It's been called a surface with red soil, promising more bounce and assistance for the seamers.

Both teams have experienced mixed performances in the competition so far. England are considered favourites, but South Africa have the potential of springing a surprise. Past records indicate that England have won earlier knockout clashes when these teams met.

“Brace yourselves, things are about to get intense.” The stakes are high as both teams targeting a spot in the championship match.

Keep following for further developments as this thrilling encounter progresses.