Phoebe Litchfield continued her dream start to the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL05) on Sunday afternoon, cracking a record-breaking, match-winning half-ton to inspire the Sydney Thunder's remarkable win over Brisbane.
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After impressing in her debut against the Sixers on Friday she pumped 52 not out from 48 balls to become the youngest player - male or female - to record a Big Bash half century and led the Thunder as they reeled in the Heat's 9-150 with seven balls to spare.
She combined in an unbroken, 97-run stand with Australian veteran Alex Blackwell, who she shared plenty of time at the crease with on Friday too, which lifted the electric greens to a stunning victory after the chase stalled.
Rachel Priest (31 from 17 balls) and Naomi Stalenberg (18 from 11) went hard early but the Thunder faltered after they were dismissed, with Litchfield being restricted to just 11 from her first 22 deliveries after joining Blackwell at the crease.
The frustration showed but after some wise words from Blackwell - who batted superbly for 42 not out from 27 balls - the 16-year-old Kinross product went ballistic, once again showing composure and confidence well beyond her years.
Her side needed well over a run-a-ball for the back end of the chase, but she piled on 41 from her final 26 balls to secure the Thunder's first win of the tournament and wrap-up the player-of-the-game award in just her second appearance.
"I can't believe I did that ... it's crazy," an elated Litchfield said after the successful chase.
"I should have been out first or second ball but I'm glad we got there in the end.
"To have Alex out there again was awesome. They were very good bowlers and I just didn't know what to do with them, so I was in a bit of a pickle. I was about to get very angry and she kept me very level-headed."
Litchfield cracked nine boundaries throughout her superb dig and three came in one Sammy-Jo Johnson over, that was the moment the Heat cracked.
Spinners Samantha Bates (3-33) and Pakistani Nida Dar (2-22) bowled superbly for the Thunder before Litchfield stole the show.
"She's pretty incredible, she's a very talented young player and it's great to see her doing well in this competition," Thunder skipper Rachael Haynes told Channel 7 of Litchfield.
"It's a really positive thing for NSW cricket."
Litchfield and her Thunder outfit continue their WBBL05 campiaign against the two Melbourne sides this weekend, they host the Renegades on Saturday and the Stars on Sunday. They travel to Tasmania for a double-header against the Hobart Hurricanes the following weekend.
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