Sunrisers Leeds kept their knockout hopes alive with a six‑wicket win over Welsh Fire, eliminating the visitors in a must‑win encounter. With a target of 122, opener Phoebe Litchfield delivered a brilliant 55 off 25 balls, helping the side remain fourth in the standings and move to 16 points, just two behind third‑placed Manchester Super Giants.

Litchfield's 55, featuring six fours and three sixes, saw her hit shots all round the 360 — cutting, pulling, driving and ramping. She was eventually dismissed by a leading edge off Georgia Wareham, leaving Sunrisers needing 31 off 48. Annabel Sutherland's 28 off 18 brought the chase within reach, while Dani Gibson and Jess Jonassen sealed the victory with a mammoth 26 balls remaining.

After the win, Litchfield said, "Our team is gaining momentum and things are starting to fall into place… I've just walked out and tried to keep it simple by watching the ball." Sunrisers bowlers delivered disciplined spells; Deepti Sharma took 3‑13 and Hannah Baker 2‑15, while the Fire were restricted to 121‑8.

Freya Kemp had opened for Welsh Fire, scoring an unbeaten 72 off 45, but fielding lapses cost the side, as she was dropped three times. The result removes Fire from top‑three contention; they now have one group match left. Sunrisers will host Manchester Super Giants at Old Trafford on Tuesday, with the winner progressing to the Eliminator.