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The eagerly awaited knockout match between England and South Africa in the Women’s Cricket World Cup has kicked off in Guwahati. England clinched the toss and opted to bowl, hoping to put pressure on their opponents' batting order.

Key Moments

• National anthems were sung prior to the start, with the Proteas' rousing anthem earning praise.
• Team Lineups were revealed and each team fielding strong elevens.
• The English team secured the toss and chose to bowl. Skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt stressed the need for sticking to their plans.
• Sophie Ecclestone is fit to play even with some discomfort.

Live Match Updates

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

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

6th Over: South Africa 35-0 (Wolvaardt 22, Brits 10 runs)

Wolvaardt, who is in fine form, struck back-to-back fours off Smith. A full toss was dispatched through long off, followed by a loose ball through cover point.

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

A brief mix-up almost resulted in Brits her wicket, but the throw by Nat Sciver-Brunt wasn't on target. She then responded by smashing a wide delivery through the covers to the boundary. Bell finished the over with a well-pitched ball that bounced past the bat.

Fourth Over: The Proteas 21-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 13 runs, Tazmin Brits 6 runs)

Smith bowled a tidy over. Despite the previous opportunity, statistics show the English team have the top fielding record in this competition.

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

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

Second Over: South Africa 14-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 12, Brits 1)

Cloudy skies covered the venue, with the lights were switched on. Linsey Smith appeared more comfortable than in her previous match yet served up a poor ball that Wolvaardt punished to the off-side boundary for four.

1st Over: The Proteas 9-0 (Wolvaardt 8 runs, Brits 0 runs)

Lauren Bell started the innings with a fresh cherry. Wolvaardt immediately took advantage, driving the initial delivery elegantly past cover for a boundary. Another wide delivery was cut for four more runs. Bell adjusted her length, yielding only a single off a wide ball.

Match Preview

The pitch is said to be different 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 inconsistent form 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 both previous semi-final meetings when these teams met.

“Roll up your sleeves, this is where it gets messy.” The pressure is on with both sides targeting a place in the final.

Stay tuned for further developments as the match unfolds.