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Litchfield's Fastest Fifty Eliminates Phoenix in The Hundred

Sky Sports Champions League •
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A masterclass from Phoebe Litchfield, as she hit the fastest fifty in the history of The Hundred women's competition, headlined Sun Risers 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 Sun Risers' bowling 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. Speaking on Sky Sports, Litchfield said: "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."