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

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

Hobart Hurricanes, the reigning champions from last season, have begun this edition strongly and find themselves in second place with eight points collected across five games. Perth, 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 Match 19 between the Hurricanes and the Scorchers. 

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

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 matchup 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, 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. Moreover, contribution from Matthew Wade in the middle order in their last game – where he scored a decisive 43* off 20 deliveries – will give the Hurricanes a lot of encouragement. 

Just like the batting department, their 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 upfront as well as at the death overs. 

Perth Scorchers on the other hand find themselves sitting in third place, winning two and losing two from their first four fixtures. Their last outing was a dominant one, as they brushed aside Sydney Thunder by 71 runs, and will thus want to build on that confidence and carry it into the rest of the tournament. 

Cooper Connolly has been the driving force in their 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 blistering pace of 191. Both batters are capable of seizing control – although there’s a tendency to throw away wickets cheaply – if one of them fires, the Scorchers can really take it to the Hurricanes. 

Skipper Ashton Turner also got into the thick of the action with a game-defining 99* from 41 deliveries against the Sydney Thunder last time out. 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 bowling attack has done a commendable job so far, although extra wicket threats would help. Joel Paris sets the tone up front and is their highest wicket-taker alongside left-arm spinner Cooper Connolly with five wickets each. Both Brody Couch and Aaron Hardie have chipped in with decent performances, 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 proceeding. However, traditionally, the first few overs under lights at Bellerive Oval have seen batters struggle as the surface needs time to settle, and the wind off the Derwent River changes how the ball moves in the air. Thus, whoever navigates their first 4-5 overs the best, will have the edge for the rest of the innings.

Looking ahead to this fixture, Hobart Hurricanes have had a strong season so far and will look to carry that form forward as they play on their home turf. The Scorchers have the talent to make things tough and won’t roll over quietly, but being on home territory, along with better form makes the Hobart Hurricanes favourites in our eyes 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