Adelaide Strikers vs Melbourne Stars Prediction & Match Preview – BBL 2025-26
Match summary
Adelaide Strikers host Melbourne Stars at Adelaide Oval in BBL 2025-26. Our preview covers form, likely XIs, pitch, weather and a verdict.
Match details
| Match | Adelaide Strikers vs Melbourne Stars, 10th Match |
|---|---|
| Series | Big Bash League 2025-26 |
| Date | 23 Dec 2025 |
| Start time | 8:15 am GMT / 6:45 pm local |
| Venue | Adelaide Oval, Adelaide |
| Status | Played |
| Our pick | Melbourne Stars |
| Toss pick | Adelaide Strikers |
Matches in this series
Match preview
Adelaide Strikers welcome Melbourne Stars to Adelaide Oval for the 10th match of the 2025-26 Big Bash League, with a 6:45 pm local start.
The Strikers lost their opener to Sydney Sixers by three wickets. Their batting revolves around Matt Short, who has passed 500 T20 runs this year at a strike rate of 170, and Chris Lynn, who scored 222 in four innings in the mid-2025 Vitality Blast. Jason Sangha, Alex Ross and Liam Scott add depth. With the ball, Jamie Overton, Henry Thornton, Luke Wood and Lloyd Pope are supported by Hasan Ali, who is expected to strengthen the powerplay.
The Stars began with an eight-wicket win over reigning champions Hobart Hurricanes. Marcus Stoinis hit an unbeaten 62 off 31 balls as they chased 159 in 16 overs. Thomas Fraser Rogers, Joe Clarke and Campbell Kellaway form a lively top order, with Glenn Maxwell, Stoinis and Sam Harper in the middle. Haris Rauf and Peter Siddle took five wickets between them in the opener, and Mitch Swepson adds spin.
Given the early-season form, our preview leans towards the Stars.
Adelaide Oval is a batter-friendly venue with consistent bounce and pace, which lets stroke-makers play confidently through the line. Fast bowlers may find some movement with the new ball, but it usually fades. The quick outfield and relatively short square boundaries reward well-timed shots. Spinners can influence the middle overs if they vary pace and flight. In T20 games, teams often aim for totals above 170, with early momentum important.
The evening should be pleasant at around 22–23 °C, with clear to partly cloudy skies, light to moderate winds and a very low chance of rain.
Expected scores
| Innings | Predicted | Actual |
|---|---|---|
| First innings | 165–180 | – |
| Second innings | 160–175 | – |
Melbourne Stars
The Stars beat the reigning champions by eight wickets in their opener, while the Strikers lost to Sydney Sixers by three wickets.
Toss pick: Adelaide Strikers
FAQ
How did the Strikers start their BBL 2025-26 campaign?
They lost their opener to Sydney Sixers by three wickets, with Liam Scott making 51 off 32 balls.
Who does our preview favour?
We pick Melbourne Stars after their eight-wicket win over Hobart Hurricanes.
Is Adelaide Oval good for chasing?
The consistent surface under lights can suit teams batting second, though early momentum matters either way.
Probable XIs
Expected line-ups from our preview. c = captain, wk = wicketkeeper.
Adelaide Strikers
- Matthew Shortc
- Chris Lynn
- Jason Sangha
- Liam Scott
- Alex Ross
- Jamie Overton
- Harry Nielsenwk
- Luke Wood
- Hasan Ali
- Henry Thornton
- Lloyd Pope
Melbourne Stars
- Thomas Fraser Rogers
- Joe Clarke
- Campbell Kellaway
- Glenn Maxwell
- Sam Harperwk
- Marcus Stoinisc
- Hilton Cartwright
- Tom Curran
- Mitchell Swepson
- Haris Rauf
- Peter Siddle