BBL 2025/26 Match 13 Preview: Brisbane Heat vs Adelaide Strikers – 27 December 2025

Match Details

• Date: Saturday, 27 December 2025
• Venue: Brisbane Cricket Ground (The Gabba), Brisbane
• Time: 08:15 AM GMT | 06:15 PM Local | 01:45 PM IST
• Series: Big Bash League 2025/26, Match 13
• Format: T20

Team Form and Recent Performance

Brisbane Heat (3 Matches: 1 Win, 2 Losses)

Brisbane Heat have struggled to find consistency so far in the 2025/26 season. After a strong chase of 258 in their opening match, they have lost two of their next three games, including a 34-run defeat to the Sydney Thunder. The key for the Heat will be finding form with the bat, particularly from their top order.

• Matthew Renshaw has been the standout performer with the bat, scoring 163 runs at an average of 54.33.
• Jack Wildermuth has been a reliable all-rounder, contributing both with bat and ball.
• Xavier Bartlett (Captain) has been effective with the ball, taking 3 wickets at an average of 40.

Adelaide Strikers (3 Matches: 1 Win, 2 Losses)

The Strikers had a strong start with a win in their season opener but have since lost two games, including a 6-wicket loss to the Melbourne Stars. However, they remain a formidable side with a balanced squad and experienced players.

• Matthew Short has been in excellent form, scoring 71 runs at an average of 133.96.
• Lloyd Pope and Luke Wood have been effective with the ball, providing crucial breakthroughs.
• Jamie Overton has been a key all-rounder, contributing with both bat and ball.

Key Players to Watch

Brisbane Heat

• Matthew Renshaw – The right-handed opener has been the most consistent batter for the Heat so far.
• Jack Wildermuth – A versatile all-rounder who has the ability to change the game with his all-round impact.
• Xavier Bartlett (Captain) – A reliable bowler who can also contribute with the bat.

Adelaide Strikers

• Matthew Short – A match-winner with the bat and a dangerous part-time bowler.
• Lloyd Pope – A consistent pacer who can swing the ball and take wickets.
• Luke Wood – A left-arm spinner who is a key threat with the ball.

Head-to-Head (Last 5 Matches)

• Brisbane Heat: 3 wins
• Adelaide Strikers: 1 win

The most recent encounter saw the Strikers edge out the Heat, but the Heat have the upper hand in the overall record.

Venue & Pitch Analysis

The Gabba (Brisbane Cricket Ground) is a neutral venue that offers a fair balance between batting and bowling. Recent data shows:

• Average First Innings Score (2022–2025): 166.40
• Batting First Win %: 62.5%
• Bowling Averages:
  • Fast Bowlers: 23.44 (Economy: 8.76)
  • Spin Bowlers: 33.58 (Economy: 7.90)

The pitch is generally good for fast bowlers early in the innings, but the surface tends to settle down in the middle and death overs. The toss will be crucial, with the team batting first having a slight advantage.

Squads

Brisbane Heat

1. Nathan McSweeney (C)
2. Colin Munro
3. Jack Wildermuth
4. Matthew Renshaw
5. Jimmy Peirson (wk)
6. Max Bryant
7. Hugh Weibgen
8. Spencer Johnson
9. Matt Kuhnemann
10. Xavier Bartlett
11. Lachlan Hearne

Bench: Usman Khawaja, Michael Neser, Tom Alsop, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan McSweeney, Callum Vidler, Oli Patterson, Liam Haskett

Adelaide Strikers

1. Matthew Short (C)
2. Chris Lynn
3. Alex Ross
4. Jamie Overton
5. Jason Sangha
6. Harry Nielsen (wk)
7. Henry Thornton
8. Luke Wood
9. Lloyd Pope
10. Hasan Ali
11. Jitesh Wadia

Bench: Alex Carey, Thomas Kelly, Travis Head, Cameron Boyce, Liam Scott, Jordan Buckingham, Tom Straker

Weather Forecast

• Humidity: 79%
• Conditions: Generally dry and playable, with no rain forecasted.
• Wind: Light to moderate, favoring seam movement early in the innings.

Match Prediction (PrePlay)

• Toss Winner: Brisbane Heat
• Match Winner: Adelaide Strikers
• Top Batter (Most Runs): Matthew Renshaw (Brisbane Heat), Matthew Short (Adelaide Strikers)
• Top Bowler (Most Wickets): Xavier Bartlett (Brisbane Heat), Luke Wood (Adelaide Strikers)
• Most Sixes: Matthew Renshaw (Brisbane Heat), Liam Scott (Adelaide Strikers)
• Player of the Match: Matthew Short (Adelaide Strikers)
• Team Scores:
  • Brisbane Heat (Batting First): 160+
  • Adelaide Strikers (Batting First): 160+

Final Outlook

This is a crucial match for both teams as they look to climb the BBL 2025/26 table. Brisbane Heat will be eager to bounce back after a poor start, and their batters will need to perform under pressure. Adelaide Strikers, on the other hand, will be confident after their recent win and will look to capitalize on their all-round strength.

With a balanced pitch and a toss likely to decide the game’s trajectory, this promises to be an exciting encounter. The key will be how the openers handle the early pressure and whether the bowlers can maintain their line and length in the death overs.

Final Prediction:
Adelaide Strikers to win by a narrow margin, with Matthew Short being the standout performer.
“`