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The eagerly awaited knockout match featuring the English side and the South African team at the Women's World Cup is underway in Guwahati. The English squad won the toss and chose to field first, hoping to put pressure on the South African batting lineup.

Key Moments

• National anthems were sung before the match, with South Africa's uplifting anthem receiving acclaim.
• Playing XIs were revealed with each team fielding competitive lineups.
• The English team secured the toss and chose to bowl. Captain NSB stressed the need for trusting the process.
• Sophie Ecclestone has been declared fit to take part despite a bit of pain.

In-Play Action

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

Nat Sciver-Brunt brought herself on to replace Lauren Bell. Zero fours were conceded, thanks to some agile fielding by Tammy Beaumont near the rope.

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

Wolvaardt, who is in fine form, struck two consecutive fours off Linsey Smith. A full toss was sent through long off, followed by a loose ball through cover point.

Fifth Over: South Africa 27-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 14 runs, Brits 10 runs)

A moment of hesitation almost resulted in Brits a dismissal, however the throw from NSB missed the stumps. She then responded by smashing a wide delivery past cover to the boundary. Lauren Bell ended the over with a well-pitched ball which rose past the bat.

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

Smith delivered a controlled over. Even with the previous opportunity, reports indicate that England have the top fielding record in the tournament.

3rd Over: The Proteas 19-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 12, Tazmin Brits 5)

A half-chance went begging. Tazmin Brits struck fiercely a delivery back at Lauren Bell, that raced to the boundary.

2nd Over: South Africa 14-0 (Wolvaardt 12, Tazmin Brits 1)

Cloudy skies covered the venue, and the floodlights were switched on. Smith seemed in better rhythm compared to earlier games but bowled a poor ball which Wolvaardt hit hard to the off-side boundary for four.

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

Bell started the innings with a fresh cherry. Wolvaardt seized the opportunity, hitting the first ball elegantly past cover for four. A subsequent loose ball was cut for four more runs. Bell then tightened her line, allowing just one run from a wide.

Pre-Match Build-Up

The playing surface reportedly differs compared to the previous track in the teams' first encounter. It's been called a "red soil pitch", which should offer more bounce and help for fast bowlers.

The two sides have had inconsistent form throughout the tournament. The English team are considered favourites, however South Africa are capable of springing a surprise. History shows that England have won both previous semi-final meetings when these teams met.

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

Keep following for more updates as the match progresses.