Phoebe Litchfield created Women’s Hundred history on Friday in Birmingham, smashing the fastest half-century the competition has ever seen as Sunrisers Leeds cruised to victory over Birmingham Phoenix.
The Australian opener reached her fifty in just 20 balls, breaking the previous record of 22 deliveries set by Shafali Verma for Birmingham Phoenix against Welsh Fire in 2021.
Litchfield eventually finished unbeaten on 71 from only 33 balls at a strike rate of 215.15, striking 13 fours and one six as Sunrisers chased down 108 with 31 balls remaining.
Litchfield Sets New Women’s Hundred Record
It was Litchfield’s first half-century of the 2026 season, and she made it a memorable one.
Her 20-ball fifty moved her ahead of Shafali at the top of the all-time list for fastest half-centuries in the women’s competition.
Fastest Fifties in Women’s Hundred History
- 20 balls – Phoebe Litchfield, Sunrisers Leeds vs Birmingham Phoenix, 2026
- 22 balls – Shafali Verma, Birmingham Phoenix vs Welsh Fire, 2021
- 25 balls – Davina Perrin, Northern Superchargers vs London Spirit, 2025
- 25 balls – Tammy Beaumont, Welsh Fire vs Trent Rockets, 2023
- 25 balls – Sophie Luff, Trent Rockets vs Manchester Super Giants, 2026
Litchfield’s innings was not simply about power. She scored all around the wicket, using sweeps, ramps, switch-hits and elegant drives to dismantle the Phoenix attack.
One of the standout moments came when she launched fellow Australian Ellyse Perry straight down the ground for six.
Birmingham Phoenix Struggle Again With the Bat
Earlier, Birmingham Phoenix were restricted to 107 for 9 after another difficult batting display. Their top order once again struggled to build momentum, with several wickets falling in quick succession.
Kate Cross played an important role for Sunrisers, taking two wickets after going 11 matches in the Hundred without a scalp.
Phoenix captain Perry attempted to repair the innings and scored 31 from 22 balls before she was dismissed by Jess Jonassen, with Litchfield completing the catch.
Perry had earlier received a reprieve when Annabel Sutherland dropped her at long-on, but Phoenix were unable to make the most of the opportunity.
Emma Lamb Provides Some Resistance
Emma Lamb was one of the few Birmingham batters to offer meaningful support. She produced her second score of more than 40 in only her second appearance of the season, underlining both her own form and the struggles elsewhere in the Phoenix batting order.
The failure of Davina Perrin, Tammy Beaumont and Alice Capsey to consistently contribute has placed additional pressure on the middle order throughout the campaign.
Sunrisers, however, deserve significant credit for the way they controlled the innings.
Deepti Sharma, Sutherland, Jonassen and Cross all maintained excellent economy rates, never allowing Birmingham to break free.
The final 20 balls produced only 18 runs while five wickets fell as Phoenix stumbled to 107 for 9.
Litchfield Makes Target Look Small
The modest total was put into perspective once Litchfield began attacking. Although Bryony Smith was dismissed during the chase, Lauren Winfield-Hill provided calm support while Litchfield dominated the bowling.
The Australian left-hander repeatedly found the boundary and never allowed the required rate to become a concern.
Her unbeaten 71 ensured Sunrisers completed the chase with more than 30 deliveries remaining.
Sunrisers Leeds Stay Alive
The comfortable victory kept Sunrisers Leeds in contention in the Women’s Hundred 2026. With the knockout race tightening, the margin of victory could also prove valuable for their net run rate.
Litchfield was named Meerkat Match Hero after her record-breaking performance and explained the attacking mentality behind her innings.
“You die by the sword at times but I think putting the pressure back on the bowlers is the way to go in T20 or Hundred cricket,” she said.
“Momentum in cricket is an amazing thing.”
Her innings provided exactly that momentum, turning a potentially tricky chase into a one-sided contest and rewriting the Women’s Hundred record books in the process.
