Adelaide Strikers vs Brisbane Heat Prediction - Big Bash League

Adelaide Strikers have a slight edge in this New Year's Eve clash at Adelaide Oval, with Brisbane Heat's bowling attack weakened by injuries.

Injury News

Shaheen Afridi (Heat) suffered a knee injury on Dec 27 and left the field mid-match. Medical assessments are ongoing, but he's unlikely to play. His BBL campaign has been poor anyway - economy above 13, only 2 wickets in 4 innings.

Nathan McSweeney (Heat's regular captain) remains out with an ankle injury from Dec 19. Xavier Bartlett continues as acting captain.

Spencer Johnson (Heat) is ruled out for the entire BBL season with a back injury.

Current Form (BBL 2025-26)

Adelaide Strikers (1W, 2L):

• Dec 17: Beat Sydney Sixers by 3 wickets
• Dec 23: Lost to Melbourne Stars by 6 wickets (at home)
• Dec 27: Lost to Brisbane Heat by 7 runs

Brisbane Heat (2W, 2L):

• Dec 19: Beat Perth Scorchers - record chase of 258 (Renshaw 102, Wildermuth 110*)
• Dec 22: Lost to Sydney Thunder by 34 runs
• Dec 27: Beat Adelaide Strikers by 7 runs (Bryant 63, Bartlett 3-26)

Head-to-Head This Season

Heat beat Strikers by 7 runs at The Gabba on Dec 27. Max Bryant's 63 and Bartlett's 3-26 were decisive. Matt Short scored 63 for Strikers but couldn't get them over the line.

Key Players

Strikers: Matt Short (c) - team's best batter, scored 63 last match. Jamie Overton provides all-round value.

Heat: Matt Renshaw and Jack Wildermuth in stunning form after their record partnership. Xavier Bartlett leading well with bat and ball.

Venue

Adelaide Oval slightly favours batting first (52%). The NYE match traditionally draws 40,000+ fans - big atmosphere.

Final Verdict

Heat have the better batting form, but losing Shaheen (even if he's been poor) plus Spencer Johnson for the season leaves their pace attack thin. Strikers at home on NYE should be competitive.

Adelaide Strikers at 53% confidence is our pick.

Value Note

Bookmakers have Strikers at 1.79 (55.9% implied). Our 53% assessment means -2.9% edge - no value.

Heat at 1.98 (50.5% implied) vs our 47% gives -3.5% edge - also no value.

SKIP for betting. Enjoy the NYE atmosphere instead.