The sixth season of the England Cricket Board’s franchise league, “The Hundred,” is underway, and this time too, some records are being made. Australian batsman Phoebe Litchfield set one such record in The Hundred Women’s 2026. Litchfield, playing for Sunrisers Leeds, scored the fastest half-century in the tournament’s history, scoring just 20 balls, helping Sunrisers achieve the target set by Birmingham Phoenix in 69 balls. Veteran Indian spinner Deepti Sharma also displayed her bowling prowess.
Sunrisers Leeds completely dominated the 24th match of this season, played in Birmingham. Leeds took Birmingham’s first wicket without conceding a run in the first six balls of the match. From that start, Leeds never once appeared to be behind in the match, even when Birmingham captain Ellyse Perry and Emma Lamb were scoring runs. Thanks to their innings, Birmingham somehow managed to reach 107 runs in 100 balls.
On the other hand, Phoebe Litchfield, opening the innings for Leeds, created a stir as soon as she arrived. Her opening partner, Bryony Smith, was dismissed, but Litchfield was undeterred, reaching her fifty in just 20 balls. This set the record for the fastest half-century in the history of The Hundred Women. Litchfield’s unbeaten 71 off just 33 balls secured the team’s victory in 69 balls. The victory could have come even sooner, but for Lauren Winfield’s slower 26 off 27 balls.
Star Indian all-rounder Deepti Sharma played as much of a role in Leeds’ nine-wicket victory as Lichfield. After a slow start to the season, Deepti has now begun her wicket-taking spree, and she proved her mettle here as well. Against Birmingham, Deepti took three wickets for just 11 runs in 15 balls. England fast bowler Kate Cross also took two wickets for 14 runs in 15 balls.