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The highly anticipated knockout match between the English side and the South African team at the Women's World Cup has commenced at the Guwahati stadium. England clinched the toss and opted to bowl, hoping to put pressure on their opponents' batting order.

Highlights

• Anthems were sung prior to the start, and South Africa's rousing anthem receiving acclaim.
• Team Lineups were announced with each team fielding competitive lineups.
• England secured the toss and chose to bowl. Captain NSB stressed the need for sticking to their plans.
• Ecclestone has been declared fit to play even with some discomfort.

Live Match Updates

Seventh Over: The Proteas 41-0 (Wolvaardt 24, Tazmin Brits 13)

Nat Sciver-Brunt brought herself on in place of Lauren Bell. Zero fours were given away, due to some agile fielding by Beaumont near the rope.

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

Wolvaardt, who is in fine form, hit two consecutive boundaries from Linsey Smith. A full toss was sent to the off-side boundary, and then a loose ball through the covers.

Fifth Over: The Proteas 27-0 (Wolvaardt 14 runs, Tazmin Brits 10 runs)

A brief mix-up nearly cost Tazmin Brits her wicket, but the throw from Nat Sciver-Brunt missed the stumps. She then responded with a powerful shot a ball outside off past cover for four. Bell ended the over with a sharp delivery which rose over Brits' bat.

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

Smith delivered a controlled over. Even with the earlier chance, reports indicate that England have the top fielding record in this competition.

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

A possible catch went begging. Tazmin Brits hammered a ball toward Lauren Bell, which flew for four runs.

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

Overcast conditions hovered over the venue, and the floodlights in use. Linsey Smith seemed in better rhythm than in her previous match yet served up a poor ball that Wolvaardt hit hard through the covers for four.

1st Over: The Proteas 9 for no wicket (Laura Wolvaardt 8 runs, Brits 0)

Bell started the innings with the new ball. The South African batter seized the opportunity, hitting the initial delivery elegantly past cover for a boundary. Another wide delivery was slashed for another boundary. Bell then tightened her line, allowing just one run from a wide.

Match Preview

The pitch is said to be different compared to the previous track in the earlier match. It's been called a "red soil pitch", which should offer more bounce and help for the seamers.

Both teams have experienced inconsistent form in the competition so far. England are considered favourites, but South Africa have the potential to cause an upset. Past records indicate the English side have won 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 place in the final.

Stay tuned for more updates as this thrilling encounter unfolds.