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The highly anticipated knockout match featuring the English side and the South African team in the Women’s Cricket World Cup has commenced at the Guwahati stadium. The English squad clinched the toss and chose to field first, hoping to put pressure on the South African batting lineup.

Highlights

• National anthems were sung prior to the start, and the Proteas' rousing anthem receiving acclaim.
• Team Lineups were revealed and each team fielding strong elevens.
• The English team won the toss and decided to field. Skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt emphasized the need for sticking to their plans.
• Sophie Ecclestone has been declared fit to play even with a bit of pain.

Live Match Updates

7th Over: The Proteas 41-0 (Wolvaardt 24, Brits 13)

Nat Sciver-Brunt took over the bowling to replace Bell. No boundaries were conceded, due to some agile fielding from Tammy Beaumont on the boundary.

6th Over: South Africa 35-0 (Wolvaardt 22, Brits 10)

The South African opener, looking in great touch, struck two consecutive boundaries off Smith. A full toss was dispatched through long off, and then another poor delivery through the covers.

5th Over: South Africa 27 for no wicket (Wolvaardt 14 runs, Brits 10 runs)

A brief mix-up nearly cost Brits a dismissal, but the fielding effort from Nat Sciver-Brunt wasn't on target. She then replied by smashing a wide delivery past cover for four. Bell ended the over with a well-pitched ball which rose past the bat.

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

Smith delivered a controlled over. Despite the previous opportunity, reports indicate that England are the best fielding side in the tournament.

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

A possible catch went begging. Tazmin Brits struck fiercely a ball back at Bell, that raced to the boundary.

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

Cloudy skies covered the venue, and the floodlights in use. Linsey Smith appeared more comfortable compared to earlier games yet bowled a loose delivery which Wolvaardt hit hard to the off-side boundary for four.

First Over: The Proteas 9-0 (Wolvaardt 8 runs, Brits 0 runs)

Lauren Bell started the innings with the new ball. Wolvaardt immediately took advantage, hitting the first ball elegantly through the covers for four. Another wide delivery was slashed for another boundary. The bowler adjusted her length, allowing just one run from a wide.

Match Preview

The playing surface is said to be different from the one used in the teams' first encounter. It is described as a "red soil pitch", promising extra bounce and help for fast bowlers.

The two sides have had inconsistent form in the competition so far. The English team are considered favourites, but South Africa are capable to cause an upset. Past records indicate that England have emerged victorious in earlier knockout clashes between the sides.

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

Stay tuned for further developments as this thrilling encounter progresses.