Big Bash League 2025-26 heads into its final regular-season fixtures, and Match 38 brings a clash between the Adelaide Strikers and the Melbourne Renegades. While both teams have been officially eliminated from the playoff race, this dead rubber remains a high-stakes battle for pride and final ladder positioning at the iconic Adelaide Oval.
The Strikers have had a rollercoaster season characterized by flashes of brilliance followed by inconsistent batting collapses. Their recent crushing defeat against the Melbourne Stars (all out for 83) effectively ended their campaign. However, playing at home on a batting-friendly Adelaide deck, captain Matthew Short and Chris Lynn will be eager to sign off with a dominant display. Liam Scott has been their breakout star this season, leading the runs chart for the side.
The Renegades find themselves in a similar boat, sitting 7th on the ladder. Despite having a dangerous opening pair in Josh Brown and Tim Seifert, they’ve struggled to close out tight games. This match may also carry emotional weight as veteran pacer Andrew Tye is expected to play his final BBL game after announcing his retirement. With Mohammad Rizwan adding stability to the middle order, they have the firepower to spoil the Strikers’ home finale.
AS vs MR, BBL|15: Match details
- Date and Time: January 17 (Friday); 11:30 am IST / 6:00 am GMT / 3:30 pm Local
- Venue: Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
AS vs MR, Head-to-Head Record in BBL
Matches played: 28 | Adelaide Strikers won: 12 | Melbourne Renegades won: 16 | No result/Tied: 0
Adelaide Oval Pitch Report
Adelaide Oval is considered one of the most batter-friendly venues in the BBL, with true bounce and consistent pace allowing stroke-makers to play their shots with confidence. However, it still poses challenges. When the lights come on, the new ball can swing and seam, offering early opportunities for the quicks. As the game wears on, the pitch often slows through the middle overs, enabling spinners and bowlers with clever changes of pace to make an impact.
Squads
Adelaide Strikers: Matthew Short (c), Chris Lynn, Mackenzie Harvey, Liam Scott, Harry Manenti, Jamie Overton, Jerrssis Wadia, Luke Wood, Harry Nielsen (wk), Hasan Ali, Lloyd Pope, Jason Sangha, Henry Thornton
Melbourne Renegades: Josh Brown, Tim Seifert, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Hassan Khan, Will Sutherland (c), Sam Elliott, Brendan Doggett, Jason Behrendorff, Andrew Tye, Michael Archer, Caleb Jewell, Matthew Spoors, Callum Stow
Also WATCH: Sean Abbott rattles Jack Wildermuth’s stumps with a peach of a delivery in BBL|15
AS vs MR, BBL|15: Today’s Match Prediction
Case 1:
- Adelaide Strikers wins the toss and bats first
- Adelaide Strikers’ powerplay score: 48-58 (6 overs)
- Adelaide Strikers’ total score: 170-185
Case 2:
- Melbourne Renegades wins the toss and bats first
- Melbourne Renegades’ powerplay score: 52-62 (6 overs)
- Melbourne Renegades’ total score: 175-195
Match result: Team batting first to win the contest
Also WATCH: Riley Meredith floors Mackenzie Harvey with an unplayable delivery in BBL|15
