Sunrisers Leeds Women kept their playoff hopes alive with an impressive six-wicket victory over Welsh Fire Women in the 27th match of The Hundred Women’s Competition 2026 at Headingley. After restricting Welsh Fire to 121/8 from 100 balls, Sunrisers Leeds Women completed the chase in only 74 balls to win with 26 deliveries remaining.
Phoebe Litchfield was the star of the match, producing an explosive 55 from just 25 balls to help Sunrisers Leeds Women strengthen their position in the playoff race.
Deepti Sharma Leads Brilliant Bowling Display
Sunrisers Leeds Women won the toss and opted to bowl first, a decision that immediately paid off. Kate Cross dismissed Sarah Bryce for four before Deepti Sharma took control of the innings.
The Indian all-rounder produced an outstanding spell, finishing with 3/13 from her 20 balls. Deepti dismissed Georgia Voll for 16 before removing Heather Graham and Niamh Holland to keep Welsh Fire under pressure.
Hannah Baker also played a major role with the ball. The leg-spinner picked up two wickets for just 15 runs, dismissing Georgia Wareham and Orla Prendergast in consecutive deliveries.
Welsh Fire were reduced to 73/6 and appeared set for a very low total. However, Freya Kemp produced a superb counter-attacking innings to give her side something to defend. Kemp remained unbeaten on 72 from 45 balls, hitting six fours and three sixes.
Her effort helped Welsh Fire reach 121/8 from their 100 balls, although the total was still below what Sunrisers Leeds needed to be seriously challenged.
Phoebe Litchfield Destroys the Chase
Sunrisers Leeds Women suffered an early setback when Bryony Smith was dismissed for a duck on the third ball of the innings. However, Phoebe Litchfield immediately changed the momentum.
Litchfield attacked the Welsh Fire bowlers from the beginning and raced to her half-century from only 22 balls. She eventually scored 55 from 25 deliveries, smashing six fours and three sixes at a remarkable strike rate of 220.
Lauren Winfield-Hill contributed 16 before Annabel Sutherland continued the attack with 28 from 18 balls. After Litchfield was dismissed with the score at 91/3, Sutherland ensured there was no late drama.
Danielle Gibson and Jess Jonassen completed the chase as Sunrisers Leeds Women reached 122/4 in 74 balls.
Sunrisers Leeds Women vs Welsh Fire Women Result
The Sunrisers Leeds Women vs Welsh Fire Women result was a six-wicket victory for Sunrisers Leeds Women, with 26 balls remaining.
The win officially ended Welsh Fire Women’s playoff hopes and kept Sunrisers Leeds firmly in contention. With 16 points, they moved close to third placed Manchester Super Giants Women, who have 18 points.
Sunrisers Leeds Women vs Welsh Fire Women Highlights
The biggest Sunrisers Leeds Women vs Welsh Fire Women highlights included Deepti Sharma’s outstanding 3/13, Hannah Baker’s two wickets and Freya Kemp’s unbeaten 72.
However, the biggest match-winning moment came from Litchfield. Her 55 from 25 balls completely changed the chase and earned her the Player of the Match award.
Sunrisers Leeds Women now face Manchester Super Giants Women in their final group game at Emirates Old Trafford. With an Eliminator spot at stake, the match effectively becomes a virtual quarter-final.
This Women’s Hundred match report underlines how Sunrisers Leeds Women combined disciplined bowling with fearless batting to keep their playoff dream alive.
