BBL 2025-26: ADS vs HEA Match Preview, Prediction, Playing11, Pitch and Weather Report

ADS vs HEA Match Preview – The New Year’s Eve clash in the Big Bash League (BBL) 2025-26 features a high-stakes encounter between the Adelaide Strikers and the Brisbane Heat. Traditionally one of the most celebrated fixtures in the BBL calendar, this match at the Adelaide Oval promises fireworks both on and off the field.

ADS vs HEA Match Details

ADS vs HEA Pitch and Weather Report

Pitch Report: The Adelaide Oval is famous for its flat deck and short square boundaries, making it a batter’s paradise. However, the drop-in pitch usually offers some assistance to pace bowlers under lights with the new ball. Spinners who can use the long straight boundaries to their advantage often find success in the middle overs. A score of 180+ is generally considered par here.

Weather Report: The forecast for Adelaide on December 31st is clear and pleasant. Temperatures are expected to hover around 24°C to 28°C during the evening. With no rain predicted, fans can expect a full 40-over contest to ring in the New Year.

ADS vs HEA Squads

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

Brisbane Heat Squad: Shaheen Afridi, Colin Munro, Jack Wildermuth, Lachlan Hearne, Jimmy Peirson, Matt Renshaw, Max Bryant, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan McSweeney (C), Patrick Dooley, Hugh Weibgen, Liam Haskett, Ollie Patterson.

ADS vs HEA Possible Playing 11

Adelaide Strikers:

1. Matthew Short (C)

2. Alex Carey (wk)

3. Chris Lynn

4. Travis Head

5. Mackenzie Harvey

6. Jamie Overton

7. James Sangha

8. Luke Wood

9. Cameron Boyce

10. Lloyd Pope

11. Hasan Ali

Brisbane Heat:

1. Colin Munro

2. Matt Renshaw

3. Nathan McSweeney (C)

4. Jimmy Peirson (wk)

5. Max Bryant

6. Jack Wildermuth

7. Xavier Bartlett

8. Shaheen Afridi

9. Patrick Dooley

10. Liam Haskett

11. Ollie Patterson

ADS vs HEA Match Preview and Prediction

The Adelaide Strikers look incredibly formidable on paper, especially with the availability of international stars like Travis Head and Alex Carey alongside BBL powerhouse Chris Lynn. Their batting depth is arguably the best in the league, and with Hasan Ali and Luke Wood leading the pace attack, they have the tools to dismantle any opposition.

The Brisbane Heat, led by Nathan McSweeney, will rely heavily on the explosive opening of Colin Munro and the world-class left-arm pace of Shaheen Afridi. Afridi’s battle against the Strikers’ top order in the powerplay will likely decide the direction of the game.

Prediction: While the Heat have a potent bowling unit, the Adelaide Strikers have the home-ground advantage and a batting lineup that perfectly suits the Adelaide Oval dimensions. Adelaide Strikers are favorites to win this encounter.