Phoebe Litchfield smashes fastest hundred in Women’s World Cup Knockout against India
Phoebe Litchfield hammered the fastest century in Women’s World Cup knockout history, scoring 119 off 93 balls against India in the 2025 semi-final at Navi Mumbai.
Australia’s young batting sensation Phoebe Litchfield lit up the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Thursday with a stunning century in the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 semifinal against India. The 22-year-old opener smashed the fastest hundred ever recorded in a Women’s World Cup knockout match, reaching the milestone in just 77 balls. Her knock of 119 off 93 deliveries included 18 fours and three sixes.
Litchfield’s innings was not only blistering but also crucial, propelling Australia to a commanding position in a high-pressure semifinal. It was her third ODI century, second against India, and first of the ongoing World Cup. With this innings, she also became the youngest player (22 years, 195 days) to score a century in a Women’s World Cup knockout and the second-youngest Australian to achieve the feat in tournament history.
Before this match, Litchfield had already established herself as a consistent performer against India, amassing 508 runs in eight innings at an average of 63.50. Her latest effort pushed that average beyond 75, a remarkable number against one of the strongest bowling attacks in women’s cricket.
Phoebe Litchfield’s ODI Record vs India
| Matches | Runs | Highest Score | Average | 100s |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 609 | 119 | 76.12 | 2 |
Litchfield’s command of sweep and reverse-sweep shots proved particularly devastating for India’s spinners. She was briefly given out on 62 after a reverse sweep appeared to carry to short third, but replays confirmed a bump ball, a lifeline she fully capitalised on to reach three figures. Her hundred places her among elite company in Australia’s World Cup history.
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Australian Hundreds in Women’s ODI World Cup Knockouts
| Player | Runs | Opponent | Venue | Year | Stage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alyssa Healy | 170 | England | Christchurch | 2022 | Final |
| Alyssa Healy | 129 | West Indies | Wellington | 2022 | Semi-final |
| Karen Rolton | 107* | India | Centurion | 2005 | Final |
| Phoebe Litchfield | 119 | India | Navi Mumbai | 2025 | Semi-final |
Eventually, Amanjot Kaur ended Litchfield’s onslaught in the 28th over, but the damage was already done. Her fearless century not only reaffirmed her status as one of the most exciting young batters in world cricket but also carried Australia one step closer to another World Cup final.
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