The 13th match of the Big Bash League 2025 will see Adelaide Strikers face Brisbane Heat in an important early-season clash. Both teams are coming into this contest after suffering defeats in their previous matches and will be eager to return to winning ways.
The match will be played at the Brisbane Cricket Ground (Gabba) on Saturday, December 27, and is expected to be a competitive encounter given the balance in head-to-head results and the conditions at the venue.
Match Details
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Match: Adelaide Strikers vs Brisbane Heat, 13th Match, BBL 2025
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Date: Saturday, December 27, 2025
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Venue: Brisbane Cricket Ground, Brisbane
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Time: 1:45 PM IST, 1:15 PM PST, 8:45 AM GMT
Team Overview
Adelaide Strikers
Adelaide Strikers began their BBL 2025 campaign on a positive note with a thrilling three-wicket victory over Sydney Sixers. Their bowling unit showed discipline, while the batting lineup managed to chase down the target under pressure. However, consistency remains a concern as they were outplayed by Melbourne Stars in their second match.
Batting first against the Stars, the Strikers managed 155 for 8, a total that proved insufficient on a good batting surface. Their bowlers struggled to contain the Stars’ top order, resulting in a six-wicket defeat. With two points from two matches, Adelaide currently sit sixth on the points table and will be keen to stabilize their position.
The Strikers rely heavily on captain Matthew Short at the top, while Jamie Overton provides valuable all-round depth. Their bowling attack, featuring Hasan Ali and Henry Thornton, has the ability to exploit helpful conditions at the Gabba.
Brisbane Heat
Brisbane Heat have had a mixed start to their BBL 2025 campaign. They produced one of the most memorable chases of the season by successfully hunting down 258 runs, showing their explosive batting potential. However, that brilliance was followed by an underwhelming performance against Sydney Thunder.
In their previous match, Heat allowed Thunder to post 193 runs and failed to keep up with the required rate during the chase, finishing on 159 for 6. With just one win from three games, Brisbane Heat are placed seventh and will be under pressure to improve their consistency.
Their batting depth, led by Colin Munro and Matt Renshaw, remains their biggest strength. The bowling unit, boosted by Shaheen Afridi and Xavier Bartlett, gives them a strong edge in home conditions.
Head-to-Head Record
Adelaide Strikers and Brisbane Heat have faced each other 21 times in T20 cricket. Brisbane Heat hold a slight advantage with 11 wins, while Adelaide Strikers have won 10 matches. This narrow margin reflects how closely contested fixtures between these two sides usually are.
Pitch Report
The surface at the Gabba traditionally offers pace, bounce, and carry, making it a favorable venue for fast bowlers, especially with the new ball. Seam movement early on can trouble batters during the powerplay, while spinners generally struggle to extract much assistance.
Once batters settle in, scoring becomes easier, and teams often look to build momentum in the middle overs. The average first-innings score is expected to range between 155 and 165. Teams usually prefer batting first and defending a total, though recent trends suggest chasing is also viable.
Weather Report
The weather in Brisbane is expected to remain warm and humid, with temperatures ranging between 26 and 30 degrees Celsius. While partial cloud cover may develop later in the day, only light drizzles are expected, and a full match is likely without major interruptions.
Probable Playing XI
Adelaide Strikers
Matthew Short (c), Chris Lynn, Jason Sangha, Liam Scott, Alex Ross, Jamie Overton, Harry Nielsen (wk), Luke Wood, Hasan Ali, Henry Thornton, Lloyd Pope.
Brisbane Heat
Jimmy Peirson (wk), Hugh Weibgen, Nathan McSweeney (c), Colin Munro, Matt Renshaw, Max Bryant, Jack Wildermuth, Patrick Dooley, Xavier Bartlett, Liam Haskett, Shaheen Afridi.
Probable Match Scenarios
If Adelaide Strikers win the toss and choose to bowl first, Brisbane Heat could post a total between 165 and 180, with the Strikers backing their chase under lights.
If Brisbane Heat win the toss and opt to bowl first, Adelaide Strikers may score around 175 to 185, putting pressure on the Heat’s middle order during the chase.
Match Prediction
Brisbane Heat enter this match as slight favorites due to their stronger batting depth and home advantage. Their recent head-to-head dominance and ability to post or chase big totals give them an edge. However, Adelaide Strikers’ bowling attack is capable of turning the game if early wickets fall.
Prediction: Brisbane Heat to win a closely fought contest
