In a spectacular display of talent, Phoebe Litchfield broke her form slump with a match-winning performance for the Northern Superchargers in The Hundred. On August 11, 2025, at Headingley, the 22-year-old left-hander scored an impressive unbeaten 59, leading her team to an eight-wicket victory over Ellyse Perry‘s Birmingham Phoenix. This marked a significant turnaround for Litchfield, who had struggled throughout the season, failing to reach fifty in her previous outings.
Litchfield’s Form Returns
Litchfield’s performance on Friday showcased her full range of extravagant stroke play, highlighting her potential as a rising star in women’s cricket. She reached her half-century in just 25 balls, marking her second fifty in The Hundred, with her first coming in 2023. The highlight of her innings was a stunning switch-hit four that sailed over the bowler Millie Taylor‘s head, perfectly encapsulating her undeniable talent. This victory allowed the Superchargers to comfortably chase down the Phoenix’s total of 116 runs with 26 balls to spare.
Teaming up with fellow Australian Annabel Sutherland, who contributed an unbeaten 20 off 13 balls, Litchfield led a partnership that scored an impressive 58 runs at a rate of two runs per ball. Their dynamic collaboration effectively dismantled the Phoenix bowling attack, particularly during a dominant spell against Hannah Baker, where Litchfield hit three consecutive boundaries.
Perry’s Disappointing Day
In contrast, the day was less favorable for Perry, who had hoped to guide her team to victory. Winning the toss and opting to bat first initially appeared promising, but the Phoenix struggled to build momentum. After a brief flourish from fellow Australian Georgia Voll, who struck four boundaries in her first nine balls, the Phoenix’s innings faltered. Voll was dismissed for 17 runs by spinner Linsey Smith, setting off a chain reaction of wickets.
Perry, aiming to stabilize the innings, faced a stroke of misfortune when she was run out on 10 runs after her partner Marie Kelly inadvertently deflected a straight drive onto the stumps. The Phoenix’s total of 116 runs was largely attributed to effective bowling from Smith, who took 2 wickets for 18 runs, and Lucy Higham, who claimed 2 for 21.
Reflecting on her performance, Litchfield expressed her joy after being named player of the match. “That was good fun out there,” she stated. “We’ve had this group together for three years now, it hasn’t changed much, and the vibes are good. We had a pretty average game last time out, but we tried to park that and came out with a positive mindset.”
The Northern Superchargers now lead the eight-team table with 12 points after four matches, closely followed by the unbeaten Southern Brave, who have played one game less. Litchfield’s return to form not only boosts her confidence but also significantly enhances the Superchargers’ prospects as they look to maintain their position at the top of the standings in this exciting edition of The Hundred.
