🔗 Share this article

The highly anticipated knockout match featuring England and South Africa in the Women’s Cricket World Cup is underway at the Guwahati stadium. England won the toss and opted to bowl, hoping to put pressure on their opponents' batting order.

Highlights

• National anthems were sung before the match, and South Africa's uplifting song receiving acclaim.
• Team Lineups were revealed with each team naming strong elevens.
• England secured the toss and decided to field. Skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt emphasized the need for sticking to their plans.
• Ecclestone is fit to take part despite some discomfort.

In-Play Action

Seventh Over: The Proteas 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 some agile fielding by Beaumont on the boundary.

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

Wolvaardt, who is in fine form, struck two consecutive boundaries off Linsey Smith. A full toss was sent through long off, and then another poor delivery through the covers.

5th Over: South Africa 27 for no wicket (Wolvaardt 14, Tazmin Brits 10 runs)

A moment of hesitation nearly cost Tazmin Brits a dismissal, however the throw from NSB missed the stumps. She then replied by smashing a ball outside off past cover to the boundary. Bell finished the over with a sharp delivery which rose over Brits' bat.

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

Smith bowled a tidy over. Even with the earlier chance, reports indicate the English team have the top fielding record in the tournament.

Third Over: South Africa 19 for no loss (Laura Wolvaardt 12 runs, Brits 5 runs)

A half-chance was not taken. Tazmin Brits hammered a delivery back at Bell, that raced for four runs.

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

Overcast conditions hovered over Guwahati, with the lights in use. Smith seemed in better rhythm than in her previous match but served up a loose delivery that Wolvaardt punished through the covers for a boundary.

1st Over: South Africa 9-0 (Wolvaardt 8 runs, Tazmin Brits 0 runs)

Lauren Bell opened the bowling with a fresh cherry. The South African batter immediately took advantage, hitting the first ball elegantly through the covers for four. Another wide delivery was cut for four more runs. The bowler then tightened her line, allowing just one run off a wide ball.

Match Preview

The playing surface reportedly differs from the one used in the earlier match. It is described as a "red soil pitch", promising more bounce and assistance for the seamers.

The two sides have experienced inconsistent form in the competition so far. The English team are considered favourites, however South Africa have the potential of springing a surprise. Past records indicate the English side have emerged victorious in earlier knockout clashes between the sides.

“Brace yourselves, things are about to get intense.” The pressure is on as both teams aim for a spot in the championship match.

Keep following for more updates as the match progresses.