The 23-year-old Australia star registered a sprightly 26-ball 43 as Sunrisers chased down a victory target of 108 with seven wickets and 31 balls to spare in the battle between two newly-named teams.Â
Sunrisers, formerly Northern Superchargers, went all the way in last year's tournament and here restricted their opponents, rebranded from Oval Invincibles, to 8-107.
England all-rounder Dani Gibson claimed two wickets as did leg-spinner Hannah Baker and India's Deepti Sharma, with MI London fading after an opening 56-run stand between Hayley Matthews (33) and Danni Wyatt-Hodge (29).
Litchfield made a crucial 48 in Australia's World Cup final win over England at Lord's this month and she was in imperious touch south of the river Thames after Bryony Smith and Jess Jonassen departed cheaply.
Litchfield was bowled by Scotland spinner Kirstie Gordon with 27 still required but Annabel Sutherland made an unbeaten 30 and Gibson contributed 12 not out to get Sunrisers over the line with ease.
"When we adapted, rolled our fingers over, changed pace and mixed up their swing path, it worked," Litchfield said afterwards.
"Then our spinners held their line and length bravely. It worked out and we took our catches. That's a winning formula."
