A masterclass from Phoebe Litchfield, as she hit the fastest fifty in the history of The Hundred women’s competition, headlined SunRisers Leeds’ straightforward chase of Birmingham Phoenix’s underwhelming 107-9 to see her side to victory in Birmingham and keep them alive in the competition.
The result eliminated not just the home side but London Spirit and MI London as well.
All of Phoenix’s batting frailties were in evidence as they once again lost several quick wickets, Kate Cross taking two of them after 11 wicketless matches in The Hundred.
It was left again to Ellyse Perry to steady the ship and she didn’t disappoint, making a 22-ball 31 before she was caught by Litchfield off Jess Jonassen.
After that only Emma Lamb made an impression, making her second score over 40 runs (47) in just her second match of the season.
Phoenix’s top order of Davina Perrin, Tammy Beaumont and Alice Capsey have not fired but here it was largely about the excellence of the SunRisers’ blowing attack, the economy rates of Deepti Sharma (3-11), Sutherland (1-19), Jonassen (1-15) and Cross (2-14) all excellent.
The innings dribbled to a close with just 18 runs and five wickets coming from the last 20 balls.
Litchfield put the score into perspective with shots all around the wicket, sweeping, ramping, switch-hitting and driving over extra cover in style, the pick of her shots perhaps a straight six off her compatriot Perry.
After Bryony Smith (12) was dismissed, Lauren Winfield-Hill (26) played a good supporting role as Litchfield wowed the crowd with a dazzling display.
‘Live by the sword, die by the sword’
Meerkat Match Hero Phoebe Litchfield speaking on Sky Sports Cricket:
“You die by the sword at times but putting the pressure back on the bowlers is the way to go in T20 or Hundred cricket.
“Momentum in cricket is an amazing thing, as all cricketers know.”
Remaining men’s and women’s group fixtures
Saturday August 8: MI London vs Trent Rockets, The Kia Oval (women’s game 11am, men’s 2.30pm)
Saturday August 8: Southern Brave vs Manchester Super Giants, Utilita Bowl (women’s game 2.30pm, men’s 6pm)
Sunday August 9: Sunrisers Leeds vs Welsh Fire, Headingley (women’s game 11am, men’s 2.30pm)
Sunday August 9: London Spirit vs Birmingham Phoenix, Lord’s (women’s game 2.30pm, men’s 6pm)
Monday August 10: Trent Rockets vs Southern Brave, Trent Bridge (women’s game 3pm, men’s 6.30pm)
Tuesday August 11: Manchester Super Giants vs Sunrisers Leeds, Emirates Old Trafford (women’s game 3pm, men’s 6.30pm)
Wednesday August 12: Welsh Fire vs London Spirit, Sophia Gardens (women’s game 11.30am, men’s 3pm)
Wednesday August 12: Birmingham Phoenix vs MI London, Edgbaston (women’s game 3pm, men’s 6.30pm)
Friday August 14: Eliminators (women’s game 2.15pm, men’s 6pm) – Reserve Day, Saturday August 15
Sunday August 16: Finals (women’s game 2.15pm, men’s 6pm) – Reserve Day, Monday August 17
Watch every match of The Hundred through to the finals on Sunday August 16. Watch The Hundred and more contract-free on NOW
