Adelaide Strikers vs Melbourne Stars – Match Preview (BBL|15, 23 December 2025)

Match Details

• Date: Tuesday, 23 December 2025
• Venue: Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
• Time: 08:15 AM GMT | 01:45 PM IST | 06:45 PM Local
• Tournament: Big Bash League 2025/26 (BBL|15)

Team Form and Momentum

The Adelaide Strikers, coming off a narrow victory against the Sydney Sixers, will be eager to build on their confidence. Liam Scott and Jamie Overton were instrumental with the bat, while Luke Wood and Jamie Overton provided crucial breakthroughs with the ball. The Strikers have a balanced squad and will look to leverage their home advantage at the Adelaide Oval, a venue known for its high-scoring nature in recent seasons.

On the other hand, the Melbourne Stars have started the season in impressive fashion, securing a commanding win against the Hobart Hurricanes. Marcus Stoinis was the standout performer, scoring a blistering 62* from just 31 balls and also picking up 2 wickets for 18 runs. The Stars' depth in both batting and bowling, particularly with the likes of Haris Rauf and Peter Siddle, makes them a formidable side.

Key Players to Watch

Adelaide Strikers

• Liam Scott: The English opener has been in sublime form, with a strike rate of 159.37 in his last match.
• Jamie Overton: A consistent all-rounder, Overton contributes with both bat and ball, making him a key figure in tight games.
• Luke Wood: The leg-spinner has been economical and effective, picking up crucial wickets in the death overs.

Melbourne Stars

• Marcus Stoinis: The captain is a match-winner with the bat and a destructive finisher. His all-round contribution is vital for the Stars.
• Haris Rauf: The Pakistan pacer is a world-class death bowler, with the ability to swing the game in the final overs.
• Peter Siddle: At 41, the veteran fast bowler is still a key asset for the Stars, especially during the powerplay and death overs.

Venue Insights – Adelaide Oval

The Adelaide Oval has been a batting paradise in recent BBL seasons:

• Average first innings score (2022–2025): 180.00
• Win percentage when batting first: 53.6%
• Wickets per innings: 5.98
• Economy rate (spinners): 7.60

The pitch is expected to offer good carry and bounce, favoring aggressive batting and tight bowling. With a high-scoring record, the toss could be pivotal in determining the game's outcome.

Head-to-Head Record (Last 5 Matches)

• Adelaide Strikers: 2 wins
• Melbourne Stars: 3 wins

The Stars hold the edge in recent encounters, but the Strikers' recent win suggests they are not to be underestimated at home.

Squads

Adelaide Strikers

• Matthew Short (c), Alex Carey (wk), Harry Nielsen (wk), Mackenzie Harvey, Travis Head, Thomas Kelly, Chris Lynn, Alex Ross, Jason Sangha, Jamie Overton, Liam Scott, Cameron Boyce, Jordan Buckingham, Hasan Ali, Lloyd Pope, Henry Thornton, Luke Wood, Tom Straker.

Melbourne Stars

• Marcus Stoinis (c), Joe Clarke (wk), Sam Harper (wk), Hilton Cartwright, Campbell Kellaway, Tom Curran, Glenn Maxwell, Jonathan Merlo, Tom Rogers, Austin Anzelark, Scott Boland, Haris Rauf, Liam Hatcher, Hamish McKenzie, Peter Siddle, Mark Steketee, Mitchell Swepson, Tom Whitney.

Match Predictions

• Toss Winner: Melbourne Stars
• Match Winner: Melbourne Stars
• Top Batter: Matthew Short (Adelaide Strikers), Campbell Kellaway (Melbourne Stars)
• Top Bowler: Luke Wood (Adelaide Strikers), Haris Rauf (Melbourne Stars)
• Most Sixes: Jamie Overton (Adelaide Strikers), Glenn Maxwell (Melbourne Stars)
• Player of the Match: Haris Rauf (Melbourne Stars)

Final Verdict

This promises to be an exciting encounter between two evenly matched sides. While Adelaide has the advantage of playing at home, the Stars’ firepower and momentum from their opening win give them a slight edge. Marcus Stoinis and Haris Rauf could be the difference-makers, and with the pitch likely to assist aggressive batting, a high-scoring thriller is on the cards.

Prediction: Melbourne Stars to win.
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