Perth Scorchers will take on Adelaide Strikers in Match 23 of the ongoing 2025/26 Big Bash League at the Optus Stadium on 4th January 2026. 

The Scorchers have hit form just at the right time and now sit third on the table with six points after five outings, while the Strikers sit just behind them in fourth with four points from four matches. Thus, making this a crucial four-points for the playoff race.

Here, we present our preview and predictions for Match 23 between the Scorchers and the Strikers. 

BBL|15 Match 23: Scorchers vs Strikers | 15:45 IST, January 4, 2026

Perth Scorchers have started to peak just at the right time, with three victories while suffering two early losses. Their previous showing saw them beat defending champions Hobart Hurricanes by a commanding 40-run margin, and the management will be hoping that it gives their batters the belief to go on an impressive run of form. 

Mitchell Marsh finally joined the party with an incredible knock of 102 from 58 deliveries, finally silencing his critics after a barren run of form. Alongside Marsh, both Cooper Connolly and Finn Allen have provided solid support with both batters crossing the 150-run mark for the season. However, it’s all-rounder Aaron Hardie who’s been the surprise package with 167 runs from five outings while batting at an impressive strike-rate of 190. 

The bowling department has done well in recent matches, though, additional strike options would certainly assist. Joel Paris leads the wicket-takers column with seven scalps, while Cooper Connolly with his left-arm spin took six wickets. Both Brody Couch and Hardie share five-wickets apiece, however, the lack of wicket-taking threat has already hurt them in a couple of games. 

Adelaide Strikers on the other hand have had a fairly decent start, placed fourth in the table following two victories and two losses across four matches. A couple of strong outcomes in the upcoming fixtures could see them start knocking for the top two spots soon.

Matthew Short, setting the tone at the top while captaining the side, has been the lynchpin of their batting. His 153 runs in four innings at an average of 38, alongside a respectable strike-rate of 129, has come while playing the anchor role in this side.

His partner Chris Lynn has finally found rhythm with an unbeaten 79 off 41 deliveries against the Brisbane Heat in their last match. While all-rounder Liam Scott has also chipped in with valuable contributions. That said, there has been very little assistance from elsewhere. 

In the bowling department, there is an even spread of wickets with everyone chipping in at some point. Luke Wood, Jamie Overton and Hasan Ali lead the wicket-takers list with six wickets apiece with the spin duo of Matthew Short and Lloyd Pope sharing eight wickets between them. 

In terms of weather forecast and pitch report, conditions are expected to be clear and warm for the entire match. That said, the new ball will still aid the seamers early on before batters start cashing in with a softer ball and a rapid outfield. Both the BBL|15 matches at the Optus Stadium have been won by the chasing side. Thus, except the team winning the toss to bowl first. 

Looking ahead to this fixture, Perth Scorchers and Adelaide Strikers head into this match after winning their previous fixtures convincingly. The Scorchers, though, appear to have more momentum with two commanding victories under their belt: a 40-run win over the Hurricanes and a 71-run drubbing of Sydney Thunder. Their batting lineup has been firing on all cylinders, and the squad will fancy their chances here, particularly given they’re playing on home turf.

Fantasy XI: Chris Lynn, Mitchell Marsh, Matthew Short, Finn Allen, Cooper Connolly (c), Aaron Hardie, Liam Scott, Jamie Overton (vc), Hasan Ali, Joel Paris, Brody Couch 

Venue: Optus Stadium, Perth 

Winners Prediction: Perth Scorchers