🔗 Share this article

The highly anticipated knockout match between England and the South African team in the Women’s Cricket World Cup is underway at the Guwahati stadium. England won the toss and opted to bowl, aiming to apply early pressure against their opponents' batting order.

Key Moments

• Anthems were sung prior to the start, and the Proteas' rousing anthem receiving acclaim.
• Team Lineups were revealed with each team naming competitive elevens.
• The English team won the toss and chose to bowl. Captain NSB emphasized the need for trusting the process.
• Sophie Ecclestone is fit to take part even with a bit of pain.

In-Play Action

Seventh Over: South Africa 41-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 24 runs, Tazmin Brits 13)

NSB took over the bowling in place of Bell. Zero fours were conceded, thanks to quick work in the field from Tammy Beaumont on the boundary.

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

Wolvaardt, looking in great touch, hit back-to-back boundaries from Linsey Smith. One full-pitched delivery was dispatched to the off-side boundary, followed by another poor delivery through the covers.

5th Over: The Proteas 27 for no wicket (Laura Wolvaardt 14, Brits 10)

A moment of hesitation almost resulted in Tazmin Brits a dismissal, however the fielding effort by NSB missed the stumps. Brits then replied with a powerful shot a ball outside off through the covers to the boundary. Bell finished the over with a well-pitched ball which rose past the bat.

4th Over: South Africa 21-0 (Wolvaardt 13 runs, Brits 6 runs)

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

3rd Over: South Africa 19-0 (Wolvaardt 12 runs, Brits 5)

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

Second Over: The Proteas 14 without loss (Wolvaardt 12 runs, 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 poor ball which Wolvaardt hit hard through the covers for a boundary.

First Over: South Africa 9 for no wicket (Wolvaardt 8 runs, Tazmin Brits 0)

Lauren Bell opened the bowling with a fresh cherry. Wolvaardt immediately took advantage, hitting the initial delivery elegantly through the covers for four. A subsequent loose ball was cut for four more runs. Bell adjusted her length, allowing just one run from a wide.

Pre-Match Build-Up

The playing surface reportedly differs compared to the previous track in the earlier match. It's been called a surface with red soil, which should offer extra bounce and help for fast bowlers.

Both teams have experienced inconsistent form in the competition so far. England are seen as the front-runners, however South Africa are capable of springing a surprise. Past records indicate that England have emerged victorious in earlier knockout clashes between the sides.

“Brace yourselves, things are about to get intense.” The pressure is on with both sides targeting a place in the final.

Keep following for more updates as the match progresses.