🔗 Share this article

The highly anticipated knockout match featuring the English side and the South African team at the Women's World Cup is underway at the Guwahati stadium. The English squad 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' uplifting anthem receiving acclaim.
• Team Lineups were announced and each team naming strong elevens.
• England secured the toss and chose to bowl. Skipper NSB emphasized the need for sticking to their plans.
• Sophie Ecclestone has been declared fit to take part despite some discomfort.

In-Play Action

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

Nat Sciver-Brunt brought herself on in place of Lauren Bell. No boundaries were given away, due to quick work in the field from Tammy Beaumont on the boundary.

6th Over: South Africa 35 without loss (Laura Wolvaardt 22, Brits 10 runs)

The South African opener, looking in great touch, hit back-to-back fours off Smith. One full-pitched delivery was sent through long off, and then a loose ball through cover point.

5th Over: The Proteas 27-0 (Wolvaardt 14 runs, Brits 10)

A moment of hesitation almost resulted in Tazmin Brits her wicket, but the fielding effort from NSB wasn't on target. She then responded by smashing a wide delivery past cover for four. Bell ended the over with a sharp delivery that bounced over Brits' bat.

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

Smith delivered a controlled over. Despite the previous opportunity, statistics show the English team are the best fielding side in the tournament.

Third Over: The Proteas 19 for no loss (Wolvaardt 12 runs, Tazmin Brits 5)

A possible catch went begging. Brits struck fiercely a delivery back at Bell, which flew to the boundary.

Second Over: The Proteas 14-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 12 runs, Tazmin Brits 1)

Cloudy skies hovered over Guwahati, with the lights in use. Linsey Smith seemed in better rhythm than in her previous match but bowled a poor ball that Wolvaardt hit hard through the covers for a boundary.

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

Bell opened the bowling with a fresh cherry. Wolvaardt seized the opportunity, hitting the first ball with style past cover for a boundary. Another wide delivery was slashed for four more runs. Bell then tightened her line, allowing just one run from a wide.

Pre-Match Build-Up

The playing surface reportedly differs from the one used in the earlier match. It's been called a "red soil pitch", promising extra bounce and help for fast bowlers.

The two sides have had inconsistent form in the competition so far. The English team are seen as the front-runners, but South Africa are capable of springing a surprise. History shows the English side have won earlier knockout clashes between the sides.

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

Stay tuned for further developments as this thrilling encounter progresses.