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The eagerly awaited knockout match featuring the English side and South Africa at the Women's World Cup has kicked off at the Guwahati stadium. England clinched the toss and opted to bowl, aiming to put pressure on the South African batting lineup.

Key Moments

• National anthems were performed prior to the start, and South Africa's uplifting song receiving acclaim.
• Playing XIs were announced and both sides naming competitive elevens.
• England won the toss and chose to bowl. Skipper NSB emphasized the need for trusting the process.
• Sophie Ecclestone has been declared fit to take part even with a bit of pain.

Live Match Updates

7th Over: South Africa 41 for no loss (Laura Wolvaardt 24, Tazmin Brits 13 runs)

NSB brought herself on in place of Bell. Zero fours were given away, thanks to quick work in the field from Beaumont on the boundary.

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

The South African opener, who is in fine form, hit two consecutive fours off Linsey Smith. One full-pitched delivery was sent through long off, followed by a loose ball through cover point.

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

A brief mix-up nearly cost Brits her wicket, but the fielding effort by NSB missed the stumps. Brits then replied by smashing a wide delivery through the covers to the boundary. Bell ended the over with a sharp delivery which rose over Brits' bat.

4th Over: The Proteas 21 without loss (Laura Wolvaardt 13 runs, Brits 6)

Smith bowled a tidy over. Despite the earlier chance, statistics show the English team are the best fielding side in the tournament.

Third Over: The Proteas 19-0 (Wolvaardt 12, Brits 5)

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

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

Cloudy skies hovered over the venue, with the lights were switched on. Smith seemed in better rhythm than in her previous match but served up a poor ball which Wolvaardt hit hard through the covers for a boundary.

1st Over: South Africa 9 for no wicket (Laura Wolvaardt 8, Brits 0)

Bell started the innings with the new ball. Wolvaardt seized the opportunity, driving the initial delivery elegantly through the covers for four. A subsequent loose ball was slashed for four more runs. Bell adjusted her length, allowing just one run from a wide.

Pre-Match Build-Up

The playing surface reportedly differs from the one used in the teams' first encounter. It's been called a surface with red soil, promising more bounce and help for fast bowlers.

Both teams have had mixed performances throughout the tournament. The English team are considered favourites, but South Africa have the potential of springing a surprise. History shows that England have emerged victorious in earlier knockout clashes when these teams met.

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

Keep following for further developments as this thrilling encounter unfolds.