BBL 2025/26 | Match 12: Perth Scorchers vs Hobart Hurricanes | Preview and Predictions

The Perth Scorchers take on the Hobart Hurricanes in Match 12 of the 2025/26 KFC Big Bash League season at Optus Stadium on Boxing Day. 

The Scorchers are returning to action after a full one-week break following their loss to the Brisbane Heat in Match 6, while the Hurricanes fought back against the Melbourne Renegades to sit second with two wins in three after getting humbled by the Melbourne Stars in their second game. 

For Match 12 of BBL|15, here we present our preview and predictions.

BBL|15 Match 12: Scorchers vs Hurricanes | 15:45 IST, December 26, 2025

Despite their gut-wrenching defeat to the Brisbane Heat in Match 6, where they failed to defend 258, the Scorchers still find themselves fourth in the table, having won one and lost one of their opening fixtures. Their batters have been in fine form and produced runs in both fixtures. 

Kiwi wicketkeeper-batter Finn Allen and Australian spin-bowling all-rounder Cooper Connolly were the standout performers in the opening week. Connolly is currently the Scorchers’ highest run-getter with 138 runs in two innings at a strike rate of 200, while Allen with 95 runs is striking at 206.5.

However, the biggest concern for the Scorchers will be the lack of returns from their marquee opener Mitchell Marsh so far. The veteran Western Australian has only amassed three runs from 12 deliveries.

That said, there are bigger concerns in the Scorchers’ bowling department. Across their first two fixtures, they’ve conceded 371 runs in 30.5 overs at just under 12 runs per over. For a team aspiring to win their sixth BBL title, if such bowling displays continue, they won’t even make the play-offs. 

Reigning champions Hobart Hurricanes, on the other hand, sit pretty in second after winning two out of their first three fixtures. Their outings against the Sydney Thunder and the Melbourne Renegades were comfortable, but the manner of their defeat against the Melbourne Stars highlighted that there are still a few areas that need polishing if they are to go on to retain their crown this time around.

In the batting department, Ben McDermott (156 runs) has been their leading run-getter, while Nikhil Chaudhary’s exceptional 38-ball 79 was the highlight of their win against the Renegades last time out. Moreover, with the likes of Mitchell Owen, Tim David, and Matthew Wade yet to hit their stride, the Hurricanes should feel confident with their batting department as a whole.

Their bowling attack is led by England all-rounder Chris Jordan, who has already taken six wickets in three games. Both Billy Stanlake and Riley Meredith provide able support with their seam-up express pace, but given their track record of recurring injuries, the Hurricanes management will have to carefully manage their playing time.

Skipper Nathan Ellis, with his change-ups and accurate death bowling, will be key, though the Hurricanes management will be more pleased that both overseas spinners — Rishad Hossain and Rehan Ahmed — have started well and looked in good rhythm since the start of the tournament.

In terms of weather forecast and pitch report for this game, fans at the Optus will get some respite from the extreme heat, with the weather turning windy and getting colder as the match progresses. There will also be some early assistance for the new-ball bowlers, making it likely for the two captains to look to chase at the bat flip.

Looking ahead to this match-up, the Perth Scorchers thrive on intensity and aggression, especially at home. Despite mixed early results this season, their performances have been spirited, with both games going right down to the wire. Although it’s very difficult to pick a winner here, we expect the Scorchers to come out firing against the reigning champions and ride on their balance and form to claim the win.

Fantasy XI: Mitchell Marsh (vc), Nikhil Chaudhary, Finn Allen, Cooper Connolly, Ben McDermott, Tim David, Chris Jordan (c), Aaron Hardie, Rishad Hossain, Nathan Ellis, Joel Paris, Billy Stanlake 

Venue: Optus Stadium, Perth 
Winners Prediction: Perth Scorchers