Hobart Hurricanes vs Adelaide Strikers Prediction & Match Preview – BBL 28th Match
Match summary
Table-topping Hobart Hurricanes meet Adelaide Strikers at Bellerive Oval on 9 January 2026. Read our BBL preview with form, XIs, pitch and weather.
Match details
| Match | Hobart Hurricanes vs Adelaide Strikers, 28th Match |
|---|---|
| Series | Big Bash League 2025-26 |
| Date | 9 Jan 2026 |
| Start time | 8:15 am GMT / 7:15 pm local |
| Venue | Bellerive Oval, Hobart |
| Status | Played |
| Our pick | Hobart Hurricanes |
Matches in this series
Match preview
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.
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.
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
| Innings | Predicted | Actual |
|---|---|---|
| First innings | 155–170 | – |
| Second innings | 145–165 | – |
Hobart Hurricanes
The Hurricanes have won five of seven and lead the table with a balanced attack, while the Strikers have been inconsistent.
FAQ
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.
Probable XIs
Expected line-ups from our preview. c = captain, wk = wicketkeeper.
Hobart Hurricanes
- Mitchell Owen
- Tim Ward
- Nikhil Chaudhary
- Ben McDermott
- Matthew Wadewk
- Rehan Ahmed
- Chris Jordan
- Will Prestwidge
- Nathan Ellisc
- Rishad Hossain
- Riley Meredith
Adelaide Strikers
- Matthew Shortc
- Chris Lynn
- Mackenzie Harveywk
- Jason Sangha
- Liam Scott
- Harry Manenti
- Jamie Overton
- Jerrssis Wadia
- Luke Wood
- Hasan Ali
- Lloyd Pope