Women's World Cup 2025: "They've got four spinners that are completely different to each other" - Phoebe Litchfield wary of Sri Lanka's strengths

Defending champions Australia started their Women's World Cup 2025 campaign with a comprehensive victory against New Zealand. On Saturday, October 4, the Alyssa Healy-led side is going to face Sri Lanka at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Ahead of the clash, Aussie batter Phoebe Litchfield highlighted the challenges her team might face, especially against the spinners in the Sri Lankan lineup.

The 22-year-old opined that Sri Lanka's spinners are distinct from one another, and adapting to the variety will be a challenge for the Australian batting unit, especially on a pitch that is expected to be on the slower side. Inoka Ranaweera and Co. had India in some trouble in Sri Lanka's opening encounter in the Women's World Cup.

"Yeah, I think their opening bowlers pose a threat, but I think their spin attack is where their work gets done. They've got four spinners that are completely different to each other. And I think coming out here and seeing how it spins, that'll probably be the biggest threat to us. And being able to adapt and play their spin really well because most of the middle overs is spin. And then, I guess, yeah, assessing that condition, if it's spinning, if it's not. And then hopefully, bowling really well on the flip side for us, because we've got pretty good side as well," said Litchfield in the pre-match press conference.

The last time Australia and Sri Lanka played a Women's ODI was back in 2019 in Brisbane. Litchfield believes that there is a certain beauty in the unknown. She is confident that her team will be able to assess the conditions and be ready to counter whatever Sri Lanka has to offer.

"Yeah, I think there's a beauty in the unknown at times. I think the last time we played them was in the T20 World Cup last year, and it's a similar side. So, we've played them before, but I guess the beauty of a World Cup is you play every different side, and you have to prepare. You don't really get time to learn. You've got to come out firing. And yeah, new conditions here as well. So, there's a lot of challenges. But I think our group's got some awesome heads on our shoulders and are able to assess conditions and adapt to whatever that's thrown at us," said Litchfield.

Sri Lanka didn't have a great start to the tournament, losing to co-hosts India by 59 runs via DLS method in the curtain raiser in Guwahati. Chamari Athapaththu and Co. will look to give mighty Australia a run for their money on Saturday.