🔗 Share this article

The highly anticipated knockout match featuring the English side and the South African team in the Women’s Cricket World Cup has kicked off in Guwahati. The English squad clinched the toss and chose to field first, aiming to put pressure on the South African batting lineup.

Notable Events

• Anthems were performed before the match, with the Proteas' rousing anthem receiving acclaim.
• Team Lineups were revealed and each team fielding competitive lineups.
• The English team won the toss and decided to field. Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt emphasized the need for sticking to their plans.
• Ecclestone is fit to take part despite some discomfort.

In-Play Action

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

NSB took over the bowling to replace Lauren Bell. Zero fours were conceded, due to some agile fielding from Tammy Beaumont on the boundary.

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

Wolvaardt, who is in fine form, struck back-to-back boundaries from Smith. A full toss was sent through long off, and then another poor delivery through cover point.

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

A brief mix-up nearly cost Tazmin Brits a dismissal, however the fielding effort by Nat Sciver-Brunt wasn't on target. Brits then responded with a powerful shot a ball outside off past cover to the boundary. Bell finished the over with a well-pitched ball which rose over Brits' bat.

4th Over: The Proteas 21-0 (Laura Wolvaardt 13, Brits 6 runs)

Linsey Smith bowled a tidy over. Even with the earlier chance, reports indicate that England are the best fielding side in this competition.

Third Over: South Africa 19-0 (Wolvaardt 12, Tazmin Brits 5 runs)

A possible catch was not taken. Tazmin Brits hammered a delivery toward Lauren Bell, which flew for four runs.

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

Overcast conditions covered the venue, with the lights were switched on. Linsey Smith seemed in better rhythm than in her previous match but served up a poor ball which Wolvaardt hit hard to the off-side boundary for a boundary.

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

Bell opened the bowling with the new ball. The South African batter seized the opportunity, driving the initial delivery elegantly past cover for a boundary. A subsequent loose ball was cut for another boundary. The bowler adjusted her length, yielding only a single off a wide ball.

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", which should offer more bounce and help for the seamers.

Both teams have experienced inconsistent form throughout the tournament. The English team are seen as the front-runners, but the Proteas have the potential to cause an upset. Past records indicate that England have won earlier knockout clashes when these teams met.

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

Keep following for further developments as the match unfolds.