The Adelaide Strikers will face the Melbourne Stars in an enticing match at the Adelaide Oval, North Adelaide, on Friday in the BBL. Both teams are aiming to bounce back after early losses in the season. With the added excitement of Glenn Maxwell’s potential return from injury, this encounter promises thrilling cricket. After all, the ground is conducive to range hitting, with some help for pacers too. One more major name that will come in is Ben Duckett.
To help you create a winning Dream11 squad, here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the match, including pitch conditions, weather updates, and key players to watch.
Adelaide Strikers vs Melbourne Stars: ADS vs MLS Match details
- Match: Adelaide Strikers vs Melbourne Stars, BBL|14
- Date and Time: Friday, December 20, 2024, 8:15 AM GMT / 6:45 PM Local / 1:15 PM IST
- Venue: Adelaide Oval, North Adelaide
Adelaide Strikers vs Melbourne Stars: ADS vs MLS: Pitch Report and Weather Conditions
The Adelaide Oval is a batter’s paradise, with short square boundaries and a true bounce that favors stroke play. Historically, scores under 170 have been difficult to defend here, making it a high-scoring venue. Fast bowlers have found some assistance, but spinners often struggle due to the lack of turn and margin for error.
- Rain Probability: Minimal. Clear skies and perfect conditions for cricket.
- Average First Innings Score: 158 (Competitive Target: 180+)
- Best Bowling Style: Pacers
- Weather Forecast: Temperature: 15–22°C
- Humidity: 50-55%
Adelaide Strikers Team Preview and Probable XI
The Strikers, led by Matthew Short, will aim for a strong comeback after a close loss to the Sydney Thunder in their opener. Key batters Jake Weatherald and Jamie Overton are in excellent form and will look to capitalize on the batting-friendly conditions.
The bowling unit, however, needs improvement. Matthew Short and Henry Thornton were expensive in the last game, and the team will rely on the experienced Jamie Overton and Fabian Allen to deliver crucial breakthroughs.
Probable Playing XI:
- Matthew Short (c)
- Jake Weatherald
- Chris Lynn
- Harry Nielsen (wk)
- Alex Ross
- Jamie Overton
- Fabian Allen
- James Bazley
- Henry Thornton
- Cameron Boyce
- Lloyd Pope
Key Players to Watch: Adelaide Strikers
- Jake Weatherald: A dynamic opener capable of scoring at a brisk pace.
- Jamie Overton: A match-winning all-rounder who contributes with both bat and ball.
- Matthew Short: Captain and a versatile performer in all departments.
Melbourne Stars Team Preview and Probable XI
The Stars are under pressure, having lost their first two games by significant margins. Glenn Maxwell’s return will boost their morale, while Marcus Stoinis and Sam Harper need to step up with the bat. One more major name that will come in is Ben Duckett.
The bowling unit, led by Adam Milne, has struggled, and improvements are essential to avoid a third straight defeat. Tom Curran’s all-round abilities will also be pivotal for the team’s fortunes.
Probable Playing XI:
- Ben Duckett
- Thomas Rogers
- Marcus Stoinis (c)
- Glenn Maxwell
- Sam Harper
- Hilton Cartwright
- Beau Webster
- Tom Curran
- Hamish McKenzie
- Adam Milne
- Brody Couch
Key Players to Watch: Melbourne Stars
- Glenn Maxwell: A game-changer with both bat and ball, especially on a batting-friendly surface.
- Marcus Stoini: A hard-hitting batter, Stoinis is just undroppable. He even took a wicket in the previous game.
- Tom Curran: A reliable all-rounder with death-bowling expertise.
Dream11 Fantasy Prediction for ADS vs MLS: Adelaide Strikers vs Melbourne Stars
Build a balanced Dream11 team with top-order batters, all-rounders, and pacers to maximize points on Geelong’s pacer-friendly track.
Key Matchups and Fantasy Tips
- Adelaide Strikers’ Batting vs. Stars’ Bowling: Weatherald and Short could exploit the Stars’ struggling attack.
- Maxwell’s Impact: His return adds depth and versatility to the Stars’ lineup, making him a must-pick.
- Stoinis’ Redemption: His dual role as a batter and pacer will be crucial in this high-pressure game.
BBL 2024/25: Where to watch ADS vs MLS, Adelaide Strikers vs Melbourne Stars in India
The rights for all matches in Australia is with the StarSports Network. Hence, Star Sports will telecast the Adelaide Strikers vs Melbourne Stars Big Bash League (BBL) 2024/25 match. For online users, you can live stream it on Disney+ Hotstar App.