🔗 Share this article

The much-awaited knockout match featuring the English side and South Africa in the Women’s Cricket World Cup has kicked off at the Guwahati stadium. The English squad won the toss and opted to bowl, aiming to apply early pressure against their opponents' batting order.

Highlights

• Anthems were performed prior to the start, and the Proteas' uplifting anthem receiving acclaim.
• Team Lineups were revealed and both sides naming competitive lineups.
• The English team won the toss and chose to bowl. Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt emphasized the need for sticking to their plans.
• Sophie Ecclestone is fit to take part despite a bit of pain.

Live Match Updates

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

NSB took over the bowling to replace Lauren Bell. No boundaries were conceded, due to quick work in the field from Beaumont near the rope.

6th Over: The Proteas 35-0 (Wolvaardt 22, Brits 10 runs)

The South African opener, who is in fine form, struck back-to-back boundaries off Linsey Smith. One full-pitched delivery was sent through long off, followed by another poor delivery through cover point.

5th Over: South Africa 27-0 (Wolvaardt 14, Brits 10)

A brief mix-up almost resulted in Brits a dismissal, however the throw by Nat Sciver-Brunt missed the stumps. She then replied with a powerful shot a ball outside off through the covers to the boundary. Lauren Bell finished the over with a well-pitched ball which rose past the bat.

4th Over: South Africa 21 without loss (Laura Wolvaardt 13, Tazmin Brits 6)

Linsey Smith delivered a controlled over. Despite the earlier chance, statistics show that England have the top fielding record in this competition.

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

A possible catch went begging. Brits struck fiercely a delivery back at Lauren Bell, that raced for four runs.

2nd Over: South Africa 14-0 (Wolvaardt 12 runs, Brits 1 run)

Overcast conditions covered the venue, with the lights in use. Smith appeared more comfortable compared to earlier games but bowled a poor ball that Wolvaardt hit hard to the off-side boundary for a boundary.

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

Bell started the innings with the new ball. The South African batter seized the opportunity, hitting the initial delivery elegantly past cover for four. Another wide delivery was slashed for another boundary. Bell adjusted her length, yielding only a single off a wide ball.

Pre-Match Build-Up

The playing surface is said to be different compared to the previous track in the teams' first encounter. It is described as a "red soil pitch", promising extra bounce and assistance for the seamers.

Both teams have had inconsistent form throughout the tournament. England are seen as the front-runners, but the Proteas are capable of springing a surprise. History shows the English side have emerged victorious in both previous semi-final meetings when these teams met.

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

Keep following for more updates as this thrilling encounter progresses.