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During the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026, Australian opener Phoebe Litchfield displayed exceptional power-hitting against South Africa. In doing so, Litchfield earned a place in the history of the tournament by recording one of the quickest half-centuries ever.

The left-hander destroyed the attack when batting at Old Trafford in Manchester, racing to her milestone within 23 balls. Litchfield’s aggression set Australia on the ideal path after a slight early blip and it kept the run rate on the move.

In total Litchfield scored 50 off only 24 balls and was on a nine-four, one six haul at a strike rate of over 208.

Litchfield joins an exclusive club of Women's T20 World Cup half-centuries.

• 21 balls - Alyssa Healy (Australia) vs Ireland, 2018
• 21 balls - Sophie Devine (New Zealand) vs Ireland, 2018
• 21 balls - Alice Capsey (England) vs Ireland, 2023
• 22 balls - Deandra Dottin (West Indies) vs Australia, 2009
• 23 balls - Phoebe Litchfield (Australia) vs South Africa, 2026

The half-century was just one indication of the increasing role that Litchfield is playing in the Australian batting order. A crucial knock in a major ICC event against one of the top sides in the competition, the batting star dug her team out when they most needed a spark.

A slight stutter when Georgia Voll and Beth Mooney went early put Australia under a little bit of pressure, but that was quickly dispersed by the arrival of Litchfield as she drove powerfully over cover, flicked to mid-wicket and smashed her way to a fifty as all around the ground the ball flew.

Litchfield shared partnerships that provided solidity before she eventually went for 50 at the hands of Ayabonga Khaka. Her score was enough by the time she went for to propel Australia past 60 runs and the game firmly into their own hands.

It helped to provide the foundation of a fine knock and Middle-order duo Ellyse Perry and Georgia Wareham continued the onslaught for the Aussies. Australia reached over 100 in 14 overs and the South African bowling attack were well and truly on the defensive.

The South African bowlers were completely out-muscled by Litchfield for the majority of her innings with Marizanne Kapp, Shabnim Ismail and Ayabonga Khaka struggling to make inroads during power play and beyond.

Litchfield's knock only lasted 24 balls but her mark in the tournament may well go down as one of the finest power-hitting displays seen in an ICC Women's T20 World Cup, and once again confirmed that she is one of the game's brightest young stars.