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The eagerly awaited knockout match featuring England and the South African team at the Women's World Cup has kicked off in Guwahati. The English squad won the toss and opted to bowl, hoping to put pressure on the South African batting lineup.

Notable Events

• Anthems were sung prior to the start, with the Proteas' uplifting song earning praise.
• Team Lineups were announced and both sides naming strong lineups.
• The English team secured the toss and decided to field. Captain NSB stressed the importance of sticking to their plans.
• Sophie Ecclestone has been declared fit to play despite a bit of pain.

In-Play Action

Seventh Over: The Proteas 41 for no loss (Laura Wolvaardt 24, Brits 13)

NSB took over the bowling in place of Lauren Bell. Zero fours were given away, due to quick work in the field by Beaumont on the boundary.

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

Wolvaardt, who is in fine form, struck back-to-back fours off Linsey Smith. One full-pitched delivery was sent to the off-side boundary, followed by a loose ball through cover point.

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

A brief mix-up nearly cost Tazmin Brits a dismissal, however the throw from Nat Sciver-Brunt wasn't on target. Brits then replied by smashing a ball outside off past cover for four. Lauren Bell ended the over with a sharp delivery which rose past the bat.

Fourth Over: South Africa 21-0 (Wolvaardt 13 runs, Tazmin Brits 6)

Linsey Smith delivered a controlled over. Despite the earlier chance, statistics show that England have the top fielding record in the tournament.

3rd Over: South Africa 19 for no loss (Laura Wolvaardt 12 runs, Tazmin Brits 5)

A half-chance went begging. Brits hammered a delivery toward Bell, which flew to the boundary.

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

Overcast conditions hovered over Guwahati, and the floodlights in use. Smith seemed in better rhythm than in her previous match but bowled a poor ball that Wolvaardt hit hard to the off-side boundary for four.

1st Over: South Africa 9-0 (Wolvaardt 8, Tazmin Brits 0 runs)

Lauren Bell started the innings with the new ball. Wolvaardt immediately took advantage, hitting the initial delivery elegantly past cover for a boundary. Another wide delivery was slashed for another boundary. Bell adjusted her length, allowing just one run off a wide ball.

Pre-Match Build-Up

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 more bounce and help for the seamers.

Both teams have experienced mixed performances throughout the tournament. The English team are considered favourites, however the Proteas are capable to cause an upset. Past records indicate that England have won earlier knockout clashes between the sides.

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

Keep following for further developments as the match unfolds.