BBL 2025/26 | Match 19: Hobart Hurricanes vs Perth Scorchers | Preview and Predictions

The Hobart Hurricanes will take on the Perth Scorchers in Match 19 of the 2025/26 Big Bash League season at Bellerive Oval on January 1, 2026. 

The Hurricanes, the reigning champions from last season, have begun this edition strongly and find themselves in second place with eight points collected in five games. The Scorchers, too, are finding their groove and have moved to third place with four points from four matches, thus making this an intriguing top-half clash.

Here, we present our preview and predictions for BBL|15 Match 19.

BBL|15 Match 19: Hurricanes vs Scorchers | 13:45 IST, January 1, 2026

The Hobart Hurricanes have kicked off their BBL|15 campaign in emphatic fashion, already securing four victories while taking just a single loss. The opening stretch has delivered plenty of encouragement, and this match-up presents another opportunity to add further momentum.

Their batting setup strikes a balance between depth and intent. Mitchell Owen and Nikhil Chaudhary have taken charge early — with Chaudhary in strong touch in particular — adding 180 runs in five appearances at a strike-rate of 149.

Ben McDermott has also contributed with steady returns through the middle this season, collecting 165 runs across five outings. Furthermore, Matthew Wade’s decisive middle-order contribution in their last game (43* off 20) will give the Hurricanes a lot of encouragement going forward.

Just like their batting department, the Hurricanes’ bowling unit is chipping in with crucial contributions every game. Bangladeshi leg-spinner Rishad Hossain has been the standout performer so far, picking up eight wickets and conceding just 7.72 runs per over. The pace unit, comprising Chris Jordan, Nathan Ellis, and Riley Meredith, has also provided breakthroughs both up front as well as at the death.

The Perth Scorchers, on the other hand, find themselves third in the league, having won two and lost two from their first four fixtures. Their last outing was a dominant one, as they brushed aside the Sydney Thunder by 71 runs. They’ll want to build on that confidence and carry it into the rest of the tournament.

Cooper Connolly has been the driving force in the Scorchers’ batting unit, piling up 170 runs from four outings at a strike rate of 167. Finn Allen has mirrored that influence, compiling 149 runs in four games and at a blistering strike rate of 191. Both batters are capable of seizing control, although there’s a tendency to throw away wickets cheaply as well; if one of them fires, the Scorchers could really take the fight to the Hurricanes.

Skipper Ashton Turner also got into the thick of the action last time out with a game-defining 99* off 41 against the Thunder. Mitchell Marsh has yet to find his best touch, but the camp will trust their marquee hitter to rediscover form soon, given how quickly he can tilt matches.

The Scorchers’ bowling attack has done a commendable job so far, although some added wicket-taking threat would help. Joel Paris sets the tone up front and is their highest wicket-taker alongside left-arm spinner Connolly, with both having taken five wickets. Brody Couch and Aaron Hardie have chipped in with decent performances as well, but there’s an evident lack of penetration through the middle overs.

In terms of weather forecast and pitch report, expect conditions to remain warm and clear throughout the game. Traditionally, the first few overs under the lights at Bellerive Oval have seen batters struggle, as the surface needs time to settle, and the wind off the River Derwent changes how the ball moves in the air. Thus, whoever navigates their first four to five overs better will have the edge for the rest of the innings.

Looking ahead to this fixture, the Hobart Hurricanes have had a strong season so far and will look to carry that form forward, especially here, on home turf. The Scorchers have the talent to make things tough, though, and won’t roll over quietly.

That said, being on home territory along with being the more in-form team make the Hurricanes our favourites for this one. 

Fantasy XI: Mitchell Owen, Nikhil Chaudhary, Finn Allen, Cooper Connolly (c), Ben McDermott, Aaron Hardie, Chris Jordan (vc), Rishad Hossain, Joel Paris, Riley Meredith, Brody Couch

Venue: Bellerive Oval, Hobart
Winners Prediction: Hobart Hurricanes