Hobart Hurricanes vs Adelaide Strikers: BBL 2025/26 Match 28 Preview

Date & Time: January 9, 2026, at 08:15 GMT (1:45 PM IST)
Venue: Bellerive Oval, Hobart, Australia
Competition: Big Bash League 2025/26
Live Streaming: Star Sports Network, JioHotstar
Broadcast Channels: JioStar Network Channels

Match Overview

Hobart Hurricanes (HUR) and Adelaide Strikers (STR) are set to clash in Match 28 of the Big Bash League 2025/26 at the Bellerive Oval in Hobart. The Hurricanes, currently in strong form and sitting at the top of the points table, will look to capitalize on their home advantage and maintain their dominance in the league. The Strikers, on the other hand, aim to break their recent trend and secure a crucial win to boost their campaign.

Team Form and Performance

Hobart Hurricanes

• Current Position: 1st in the points table with 10 points from 7 matches.
• Win/Loss Record: 5 wins, 2 losses.
• NRR: +0.187.
• Recent Performance: Won their last match against Sydney Thunder by 6 wickets.
• Top Run Scorers: Nikhil Chaudhary (240 runs), Ben McDermott (193 runs).
• Top Wicket Takers: Nathan Ellis (10 wickets), Rishad Hossain (8 wickets).

The Hurricanes are in great form, with their key players in top gear. Captain Nathan Ellis has been a standout with both bat and ball, and the middle order, led by Nikhil Chaudhary and Ben McDermott, has been crucial in chasing down totals.

Adelaide Strikers

• Current Position: 5th in the points table with 6 points from 6 matches.
• Win/Loss Record: 3 wins, 3 losses.
• NRR: +0.016.
• Recent Performance: Won their last match against Sydney Thunder by 6 runs.
• Top Run Scorers: Matthew Short (188 runs), Liam Scott (171 runs).
• Top Wicket Takers: Lloyd Pope (10 wickets), Jamie Overton (9 wickets).

The Strikers have had a mixed season but are coming into this match with a win under their belt. Key players like Matthew Short and Liam Scott have been consistent with the bat, while the bowling unit, led by Lloyd Pope and Jamie Overton, has the potential to trouble the opposition.

Venue and Pitch Conditions

Bellerive Oval, Hobart

• Pitch Type: Fast and bouncy with good carry.
• Batting Conditions: Average, favoring batsmen outside the powerplay.
• Bowling Conditions: Excellent for pacers, especially with the new ball.
• Spin Bowling: Average, with limited turn.
• Par Score: Expected around 160–170.
• Weather Conditions: Generally pleasant with minimal chances of rain. Possible dew in the evening could aid the spinners later in the match.

The pitch is likely to offer a balanced contest, with the pacers dominating the early stages and the batters needing to be careful in the first 6–8 overs.

Head-to-Head Record

• Matches Played: 22
• Hobart Hurricanes Wins: 16
• Adelaide Strikers Wins: 5
• No Result: 1

Hobart has had the upper hand in recent encounters, especially at home. However, Adelaide has shown signs of improvement, and a strong performance could see them break the trend.

Probable Playing XIs

Hobart Hurricanes (HUR)

1. Mitchell Owen
2. Tim Ward
3. Rehan Ahmed
4. Ben McDermott
5. Nikhil Chaudhary
6. Matthew Wade
7. Chris Jordan
8. Will Prestwidge
9. Nathan Ellis
10. Rishad Hossain
11. Riley Meredith

Adelaide Strikers (STR)

1. Chris Lynn
2. Matthew Short
3. Mackenzie Harvey
4. Jason Sangha
5. Liam Scott
6. Harry Manenti
7. Jamie Overton
8. Jess Wadia
9. Luke Wood
10. Hasan Ali
11. Lloyd Pope

Key Players to Watch

Hobart Hurricanes

• Nikhil Chaudhary (Batter): The Hurricanes' run machine with 240 runs in 7 matches.
• Nathan Ellis (All-rounder): The captain and wicket-taking machine with 10 wickets at 9.66 economy.

Adelaide Strikers

• Matthew Short (Batter): Top of the order with 188 runs already this season.
• Lloyd Pope (Bowler): The Strikers' leading wicket-taker with 10 wickets in 6 matches.

Match Prediction

Hobart Hurricanes enter this match as strong favorites. Their recent form, home advantage, and the quality of their key players give them a significant edge. The pitch at Bellerive Oval favors aggressive batting, and with Nikhil Chaudhary and Ben McDermott in good touch, the Hurricanes should be able to post a competitive total.

However, the Strikers are not without a chance. If Lloyd Pope and Jamie Overton can trouble the top order, and Matthew Short and Liam Scott can anchor the innings, they might pull off an upset.

Predicted Winner: Hobart Hurricanes
Margin: By 6–8 runs

Captaincy and Fantasy Tips

Small League (Fantasy):

• Captain: Nikhil Chaudhary (HUR)
• Vice-Captain: Matthew Short (STR)

Grand League:

• Captain: Nathan Ellis (HUR)
• Vice-Captain: Lloyd Pope (STR)

Conclusion

This promises to be an exciting encounter at Bellerive Oval. The Hurricanes' home advantage and current form give them the upper hand, but the Strikers will aim to disrupt the pattern. Fantasy players should keep an eye on key performers like Nikhil Chaudhary, Nathan Ellis, Matthew Short, and Lloyd Pope. The match is likely to be a tight contest, but the Hurricanes look to be in a better position to take the win.
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