Phoebe Litchfield produced a masterclass in the Women’s World Cup semi-final, smashing a 77-ball century against Harmanpreet Kaur’s India on Thursday, October 30, at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai.
The elegant southpaw became only the seventh batter to score a hundred in a Women’s World Cup knockout match — joining an elite list that includes Harmanpreet Kaur, Alyssa Healy (twice), Laura Wolvaardt, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Danni Wyatt-Hodge, and Karen Rolton.
India vs Australia, Women’s World Cup semi-final Updates
Litchfield brought up her century in style, dancing down the track to left-arm spinner Sree Charani and lofting a graceful shot over mid-off for four. The stroke sealed her milestone and earned her a standing ovation from the crowd.
PHOEBE LITCHFIELD TAKES THE CHARGE
After Australia opted to bat first, Phoebe Litchfield lost her captain, Alyssa Healy, early when Kranti Gaud knocked her over. However, the young opener remained unfazed and began to build her innings with poise and precision.
Just after she reached her century, Richa Ghosh dropped a regulation catch off Amanjot Kaur, compounding India’s frustration. Litchfield had earlier brought up her half-century off 45 balls before accelerating superbly to reach her hundred in double-quick time.
There was a brief moment of concern when she was given out caught off Sree Charani, only for replays to confirm it was a bump ball. Undeterred, Litchfield continued to attack — smashing Deepti Sharma for back-to-back sixes soon after crossing her hundred.
Her blistering knock finally came to an end when Amanjot Kaur shattered her stumps, dismissing her for a magnificent 119 off 93 deliveries, an innings studded with 17 fours and three sixes. Litchfield’s dismissal gave India a much-needed breakthrough, but not before she had shared a crucial 155-run partnership with Ellyse Perry for the second wicket.
Fans on social media were quick to draw comparisons between Litchfield and Travis Head, who had struck a century in the 2023 Men’s ODI World Cup final. Back then, Head smashed a 95-ball hundred and went on to score 137 off 120 balls, guiding Australia to a six-wicket win while chasing 241 with 42 balls to spare.
Here’s how fans reacted to Phoebe Litchfield’s knock
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