Hobart Hurricanes vs Adelaide Strikers Prediction & Match Preview – BBL 28th Match

Big Bash League Hobart Hurricanes Adelaide Strikers Bellerive Oval

Hobart Hurricanes have been among the best sides of this BBL season. Five wins from seven games have lifted them to the top of the table, and with a finals place all but secure, the aim now is to stay in the top two.

Nikhil Chaudhary has been the standout with the bat, making 240 runs in seven innings at a strike rate of 160, with Mitch Owen alongside him at the top. Ben McDermott has scored 193 at 133 through the middle and Tim Ward 159 at nearly 146. The attack is just as strong: Riley Meredith and Nathan Ellis have shared 14 wickets, Chris Jordan has brought control at the death, and Rishad Hossain has taken eight wickets at 7.80.

Adelaide Strikers have been up and down. They are fifth with three wins and three defeats, though a recent win over Sydney Thunder gave them some momentum. Captain Matthew Short has made 188 runs in six innings, Chris Lynn has struck at 148 for his 126 runs and Liam Scott has added 171. Lloyd Pope and Jamie Overton have taken 19 wickets between them, and the return of Hasan Ali, who has seven wickets in five games, strengthens the pace group. Consistency will decide whether they can push into the top half.

Probable playing XI

Hobart Hurricanes

Mitchell Owen
Tim Ward
Nikhil Chaudhary
Ben McDermott
Matthew Wade (wk)
Rehan Ahmed
Chris Jordan
Will Prestwidge
Nathan Ellis (c)
Rishad Hossain
Riley Meredith

Adelaide Strikers

Matthew Short (c)
Chris Lynn
Mackenzie Harvey (wk)
Jason Sangha
Liam Scott
Harry Manenti
Jamie Overton
Jerrssis Wadia
Luke Wood
Hasan Ali
Lloyd Pope

Pitch report

Bellerive Oval generally offers an even contest. The new ball can swing in cool Tasmanian conditions, so top-order batters need care with shot selection, but the surface flattens out and becomes easier to bat on as the innings moves along. Spin plays a smaller part than at many grounds, with limited turn, so accuracy and variations count for more than grip. T20 totals here tend to be competitive, and the best teams combine patience with smart acceleration.

Weather

Around the 7:15 pm local start, Hobart should be mostly cloudy with temperatures of about 19–21°C. The chance of rain is low, and only a light to moderate coastal breeze is expected, so a pleasant evening with no major interruptions is forecast.

Expected scores

1st innings: 155–170
2nd innings: 145–165

Frequently asked questions

Who is expected to win Hobart Hurricanes vs Adelaide Strikers?

Our preview favours Hobart Hurricanes, who have won five of their first seven games and sit at the top of the table.

Where is the match played?

At Bellerive Oval in Hobart, with a 7:15 pm local start on 9 January 2026.

Is rain likely to affect the game?

The forecast gives only a low chance of rain, with mostly cloudy skies and temperatures around 19–21°C.

About Big Bash League