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The eagerly awaited knockout match between England and the South African team at the Women's World Cup is underway at the Guwahati stadium. England clinched the toss and opted to bowl, hoping to apply early pressure against their opponents' batting order.

Key Moments

• Anthems were sung prior to the start, with the Proteas' rousing anthem earning praise.
• Team Lineups were revealed and both sides naming strong lineups.
• The English team secured the toss and chose to bowl. Skipper NSB emphasized the need for sticking to their plans.
• Ecclestone has been declared fit to play despite a bit of pain.

Live Match Updates

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

NSB brought herself on to replace Bell. No boundaries were conceded, due to quick work in the field by Tammy Beaumont near the rope.

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

The South African opener, looking in great touch, hit back-to-back fours off Linsey Smith. A full toss was sent through long off, and then a loose ball through cover point.

5th Over: The Proteas 27-0 (Wolvaardt 14, Brits 10)

A moment of hesitation nearly cost Tazmin Brits her wicket, but the throw from Nat Sciver-Brunt missed the stumps. Brits then replied by smashing a wide delivery through the covers to the boundary. Lauren Bell ended the over with a well-pitched ball that bounced over Brits' bat.

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

Smith delivered a controlled over. Even with the previous opportunity, reports indicate the English team are the best fielding side in this competition.

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

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

Second Over: South Africa 14 without loss (Wolvaardt 12, Tazmin Brits 1 run)

Overcast conditions hovered over the venue, with the lights in use. Smith seemed in better rhythm compared to earlier games but bowled a poor ball that Wolvaardt hit hard to the off-side boundary for a boundary.

First Over: South Africa 9 for no wicket (Laura Wolvaardt 8, Tazmin Brits 0)

Bell started the innings with a fresh cherry. Wolvaardt seized the opportunity, driving the initial delivery with style through the covers for a boundary. Another wide delivery was cut for four more runs. The bowler 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 teams' first encounter. It's been called a "red soil pitch", promising more bounce and assistance for the seamers.

Both teams have had mixed performances throughout the tournament. England are seen as the front-runners, but South Africa are capable to cause an upset. Past records indicate the English side have emerged victorious in earlier knockout clashes when these teams met.

“Roll up your sleeves, this is where it gets messy.” The pressure is on as both teams targeting a spot in the championship match.

Stay tuned for further developments as the match unfolds.