Following scores of four, 22 and five in her first three games, Litchfield had yet to really make much of an impression on this year’s tournament.
On a belting Headingley deck, in glorious sunshine, the 22-year-old Australian delivered a destructive batting display as she made her second career fifty in The Hundred.
Litchfield bristled with intent from ball one and produced some intelligent shots alongside some more unorthodox strokeplay.
Midway through her innings, a powerful reverse pull off Emma Lamb for four was followed by a more conventional chip over the top with the same result.
When Litchfield was joined by compatriot Sutherland at the crease, the outcome of the match became a formality.
Phoenix did help themselves with their fielding, though, as fumbles and poor judgement on the boundary cost them runs.
The game was effectively over by the time Hannah Baker spilled a routine catch in the deep as Phoenix squandered the chance to dismiss Litchfield on 49.
She hit the winning runs in audacious fashion – setting herself for a reverse pull to Millie Taylor, but then clubbing the ball back over the bowler’s head for four.
