Adelaide Strikers and Melbourne Renegades meet in Match 38 of BBL 2025 with playoff hopes already over, turning the contest into a battle for pride and momentum. With both sides looking to end their campaign on a positive note, conditions at Adelaide Oval and recent form could still make this a highly competitive clash.
Match details
Match Adelaide Strikers vs Melbourne Renegades, 38th T20 match
Tournament Big Bash League 2025–26
Date Saturday, January 17, 2026
Venue Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
Start time 11:30 am IST, 11:00 am PST, 6:00 am GMT
Team overview
Adelaide Strikers enter this match with confidence in their bowling unit, which has repeatedly defended totals during the season. Their top order has provided steady starts, allowing the team to stay competitive even when runs have not flowed freely at the death. The Strikers will look for better acceleration in the final overs, especially from their middle order, to convert solid platforms into match-winning scores.
Melbourne Renegades, on the other hand, have struggled with consistency throughout the tournament. On their day, they possess one of the most destructive batting line-ups in the competition, backed by experienced bowlers who can operate under pressure at the back end. Their challenge remains putting together a complete performance with both bat and ball across 40 overs.
Key players to watch
For Adelaide Strikers, Liam Scott stands out as a crucial contributor. His consistency at the top of the order has been one of the positives of their campaign, and his ability to rotate strike while finding boundaries makes him central to the Strikers’ plans. Matthew Short’s leadership and all-round impact, along with Alex Carey’s stability behind the stumps and at the crease, further strengthen the side.
Melbourne Renegades will rely heavily on Josh Brown to provide power in the powerplay. His aggressive intent can quickly change the tone of the match. Gurinder Sandhu’s disciplined bowling in middle and death overs gives the Renegades control in tight situations, while Adam Zampa’s leg-spin remains a key weapon on a surface that can aid turn later in the innings.
Head-to-head record
Adelaide Strikers and Melbourne Renegades have faced each other 20 times in T20 cricket. The Strikers hold a clear advantage with 12 wins, while the Renegades have claimed 8 victories. There have been no ties or no-results between the two sides, underlining a history of decisive outcomes.
Pitch and weather report
The Adelaide Oval traditionally offers true bounce and good pace early on, making it one of the more batter-friendly venues in Australia. As the match progresses, spinners come into play, especially during the middle overs. The average first-innings score at the ground ranges between 170 and 180. Night matches often see dew assisting the chasing side, although recent trends suggest batting first and posting a strong total remains a viable strategy.
Weather conditions look ideal for cricket, with clear skies expected. Temperatures should hover around 21°C, humidity near 50 percent, and no rain forecast, ensuring uninterrupted play.
Probable playing XIs
Adelaide Strikers
Alex Carey (wicketkeeper), Matthew Short (captain), Chris Lynn, Liam Scott, Jason Sangha, Jamie Overton, Harry Manenti, Hasan Ali, Cameron Boyce, Lloyd Pope, Tabraiz Shamsi
Melbourne Renegades
Josh Brown, Tim Seifert, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Hassan Khan, Harry Dixon, Will Sutherland (captain), Sam Elliott, Gurinder Sandhu, Brendan Doggett, Adam Zampa
Match scenarios and toss outlook
Recent matches at Adelaide Oval show teams winning the toss often choose to bowl first, mainly due to dew later in the evening. However, overall records indicate batting first has produced more wins at this venue. If Adelaide Strikers bat first and post a total between 165 and 180, their bowling attack gives them a strong chance to defend. If Melbourne Renegades set a target in the 170 to 185 range, their bowlers will back themselves to apply scoreboard pressure.
Live streaming and broadcast details
The match will be broadcast on the Star Sports Network in India, with live streaming available on the JioHotstar app and website. Viewers in Pakistan can watch the action on local sports channels carrying BBL coverage and through official digital streaming platforms. In Australia, the match will be available live on Fox Cricket and Kayo Sports. UK viewers can follow the game on Sky Sports Cricket, while global audiences can access official Big Bash League broadcast partners and streaming services in their respective regions.
Match prediction
Both teams arrive with contrasting strengths, but Adelaide Strikers appear slightly better balanced due to their bowling depth and familiarity with home conditions. Melbourne Renegades have the firepower to dominate if their top order clicks, yet their inconsistency remains a concern. On a surface that rewards disciplined bowling and smart batting, the Strikers hold a marginal edge, provided their top order delivers and their bowlers execute plans in the middle and death overs.
