The Women’s Hundred has consistently produced explosive batting performances, but few moments have matched the speed and authority of its fastest half-centuries.
From Shafali Verma’s fearless strokeplay in the inaugural edition to Phoebe Litchfield’s record-breaking assault in 2026, the tournament has witnessed batters redefine the tempo of 100-ball cricket. Litchfield now tops the list with a sensational 20-ball fifty, followed by Shafali Verma, Nadine de Klerk and Deandra Dottin.
Phoebe Litchfield (Sunrisers Leeds): 20 Balls vs Birmingham Phoenix
Phoebe Litchfield created history for Sunrisers Leeds by scoring the fastest half-century in the history of the Women’s Hundred. She reached the landmark in just 20 balls against Birmingham Phoenix on 7 August 2026, surpassing Shafali Verma’s previous record of 22 balls.
The Sunrisers Leeds, led by Danielle Gibson, faced Ellyse Perry’s Birmingham Phoenix in the 24th match of the ongoing sixth edition at Edgbaston, Birmingham. Chasing 108, Litchfield opened alongside Bryony Smith and immediately seized control of the pursuit. She remained unbeaten on 71 from 33 balls, striking 13 boundaries and one six, as Sunrisers Leeds completed a nine-wicket victory with 31 balls remaining in a must-win clash.
Her match-winning innings earned her the Player of the Match award and underlined her outstanding form in the 2026 competition. Litchfield is currently Sunrisers Leeds’ leading run-scorer and the tournament’s third-highest run-getter, with 209 runs at a strike rate of 153.33 and an average of 41.40 in six innings. Her efforts have helped Sunrisers Leeds occupy fourth place with 12 points from six matches, including three wins and three defeats in their campaign so far.
Shafali Verma (Birmingham Phoenix): 22 Balls vs Welsh Fire
Before Litchfield’s remarkable innings, Shafali Verma held the record for the fastest fifty in Women’s Hundred history. The Indian opener achieved the feat in only 22 balls for Birmingham Phoenix against Welsh Fire on 9 August 2021, during the 23rd match of the inaugural edition at Edgbaston.
Chasing 128, Verma opened with Eve Jones and produced a commanding unbeaten 76 from 42 balls. Her innings contained nine boundaries and two sixes, allowing Birmingham Phoenix to chase down the target without losing a wicket and with 24 balls to spare. She was named Player of the Match for her fearless contribution.
Birmingham Phoenix finished third in the league standings with eight points from eight matches, recording four wins and four defeats, before being eliminated by Oval Invincibles in a 20-run Eliminator defeat. Verma ended the campaign as her team’s third-highest run-scorer, making 171 runs at a strike rate of 142.50 and an average of 24.42, including an unbeaten half-century.
Nadine de Klerk (Oval Invincibles): 23 Balls Vs Trent Rockets
Nadine de Klerk delivered one of the most impactful lower-order innings in the tournament when she reached her half-century in 23 balls for Oval Invincibles against Trent Rockets on 21 August 2023. The match was played at the Kennington Oval, London, during the third edition.
After Suzie Bates opted to bat first, de Klerk arrived at number six around the halfway stage and launched a counter-attacking assault. She finished unbeaten on 51 from 25 balls, powering Oval Invincibles to 155/6 from their 100 deliveries. The Invincibles held their nerve to win by three runs, with de Klerk receiving the Player of the Match award for her all-round impact.
Oval Invincibles finished fifth with seven points from eight league matches, recording three wins, four defeats and one washout. De Klerk scored 56 runs at a strike rate of 186.66 and an average of 56 across two innings, including an unbeaten fifty.
Deandra Dottin (Manchester Originals): 24 Balls vs Northern Superchargers
Deandra Dottin brought her trademark power-hitting to the fifth edition in 2025, scoring a 24-ball half-century for Manchester Originals against Northern Superchargers on 17 August at Old Trafford, Manchester. Batting at number five after Hollie Armitage chose to bowl first, Dottin remained unbeaten on 51 from 26 balls and lifted Manchester Originals to 117/5. Her controlled aggression proved decisive as Originals secured a five-run victory, while Dottin was named Player of the Match.
Manchester Originals finished fifth with 16 points from eight matches, registering four wins and four defeats. Deandra Dottin ended as her side’s third-highest run-scorer, contributing 129 runs at a strike rate of 125.24 and an average of 25.80 in seven innings, including an unbeaten half-century.
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