Sheffield Shield 2025-26 Match Preview: Queensland vs Victoria

Date: 22nd November 2025
Time: 04:00 GMT
Venue: The Gabba, Brisbane
Match No.: 14

Match Context

The 14th round of matches in the Sheffield Shield 2025-26 brings a highly anticipated clash between Queensland and Victoria at the iconic The Gabba in Brisbane. This encounter will be the second meeting between the two sides in the competition, with the first taking place in October at the Adelaide Oval. The match on 22nd November is expected to be a crucial one for both teams as they look to consolidate their positions in the early stages of the season.

Team Form and Strengths

Queensland

Queensland, coming off a strong 2024-25 season where they finished as runners-up, will be eager to defend their title with the same hunger and determination. The team boasts a formidable batting lineup led by the ever-reliable Marnus Labuschagne, who is always in good form in red-ball cricket. Alongside him, Usman Khawaja and Max Bryant provide stability and depth in the middle and lower order.

In bowling, Queensland’s strength lies in their spin department, particularly Mitchell Swepson, who can be a match-winner on turning tracks. The pace attack is also well-rounded, with Pat Cummins and Jhye Richardson providing the necessary firepower.

Queensland has a home advantage at The Gabba, which is known for its helpful conditions for fast bowlers and spinners alike. With a strong batting line-up and a versatile bowling attack, Queensland will be confident heading into this game.

Victoria

Victoria, the reigning champions from the 2023-24 season, will be looking to bounce back after a mixed performance in the opening rounds. The team has a balanced squad, with Ollie Peake and Peter Handscomb anchoring the top and middle order. Peake, in particular, has shown consistency in domestic cricket and is a key player for the team.

In bowling, Victoria has several options, including Todd Murphy and Callum Stow, who have the potential to dominate on a good pitch. The team’s performance will heavily depend on the form of their senior players, and a strong showing from Handscomb and Stow could be the key to securing a win.

Victoria will be coming into this game after a match in Melbourne and will need to adapt quickly to the Gabba conditions. However, their experience in high-pressure games should not be underestimated.

Key Match-up

• Marnus Labuschagne (Queensland) vs Ollie Peake (Victoria)
  This will be a crucial battle in the top order. Labuschagne’s ability to anchor the innings and take the attack to the opposition will be pivotal for Queensland. Peake, on the other hand, will look to counter with a gritty and calculated innings to set the tone for Victoria.

• Mitchell Swepson (Queensland) vs Callum Stow (Victoria)
  The battle between the spinners could dictate the outcome of the match. Swepson’s ability to extract turn and spin will be key, especially if the pitch deteriorates. Stow, with his accuracy and variations, will also be vital for Victoria in breaking partnerships.

Venue Insights: The Gabba

The Gabba is a well-balanced Test and First-Class venue that offers assistance to fast bowlers early on and becomes more spin-friendly as the match progresses. The surface tends to offer some lateral movement for seamers and turn for spinners, making it a challenging track for batters.

With the Gabba being a home ground for Queensland, it will provide the hosts with a slight advantage in terms of familiarity and crowd support.

Prediction

This match promises to be a closely contested battle between two of the strongest teams in the competition. Queensland's home advantage, combined with their strong batting and spin options, gives them a slight edge. However, Victoria's experience and consistency in high-stakes games cannot be ignored.

Prediction:
Queensland by 50-75 runs, depending on how well they utilize the Gabba's conditions and their spinners' performance.

Conclusion

The clash between Queensland and Victoria at The Gabba is shaping up to be a thrilling encounter in the Sheffield Shield 2025-26. With both teams having strong squads and a history of producing exciting cricket, fans can look forward to a high-quality contest. The battle between the spinners and the form of the key batters will be the decisive factors in this match.

Catch all the action starting at 04:00 GMT on Saturday, 22nd November 2025, at The Gabba.
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