Last Updated on 3 months ago by Charbel Coorey

Hobart Hurricanes, who sit pretty atop the BBL table, take on Adelaide Strikers with the playoffs race heating up. The defending champions can take a massive step towards finishing in the top four here, with their strong batting lineup holding them in good stead so far.

Last time out, the Hurricanes didn’t bowl well at the death against the Thunder. However, they made a mockery of the chase of 207, reaching the target with 13 balls to spare. Tim Ward’s 49-ball 90 adds another complexion to their batting lineup. If Mitch Owen can find his best form, the Hurricanes become even more dangerous.

The Strikers are thereabouts, and have the chance to go equal-second in what is a logjam from second to seventh. Matt Short’s team prevailed against the Thunder, but they face a tougher test here with the Hurricanes performing well in recent times.

BBL 2025/26 28th Match: HUR vs STR Possible Playing XIs

The Hurricanes have named the same squad. They could play the same XI that beat the Sydney Thunder.

Hobart Hurricanes: 1. Mitch Owen, 2. Tim Ward, 3. Rehan Ahmed (OS), 4. Ben McDermott, 5. Nikhil Chaudhary, 6. Matthew Wade (wk), 7. Chris Jordan (OS), 8. Will Prestwidge, 9. Nathan Ellis (c), 10. Rishad Hossain (OS), 11. Riley Meredith

Tabraiz Shamsi comes into the Adelaide Strikers squad in place of Hassan Ali.

Adelaide Strikers: 1. Chris Lynn, 2. Matt Short (c), 3. Mackenzie Harvey (wk), 4. Jason Sangha, 5. Liam Scott, 6. Jamie Overton (OS), 7. Harry Manenti/Henry Thornton, 8. Jerrssis Wadia, 9. Luke Wood (OS), 10. Tabraiz Shamsi (OS), 11. Lloyd Pope

Bellerive Oval Ninja Stadium Hobart Pitch Report and Weather

Teams batting first have made scores of 180/6, 162/9 and 229/3 on this ground in BBL 2025/26. Chasing teams won the first two matches, before the Scorchers’ 229 was too much for the Hurricanes.

Pace bowlers have taken 24 wickets at Bellerive Oval this season at an average of 31.92 and economy of 10.15. Spinners have fared well, taking 14 wickets at an average of 22.93 and economy of 7.47.

There is a chance of showers today in Hobart with windy conditions and a top of 21 degrees.

Fantasy Cricket Tips for HUR vs STR 2025/26: Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Top wicket-keeper picks:

• Ben McDermott has magnificent numbers against the Strikers: 16 inns, 595 runs, avg. 49.58, SR 155.76. He has scored 86 off 41 balls against Lloyd Pope (avg. 86, SR 209.8). Key matchup.

Key batter picks:

• Nikhil Chaudhary is the fourth-highest run-scorer in BBL 2025/26 with 240 at an average of 40.00 and strike rate of 160.
• Since 2023, Chris Lynn has hammered 256 runs against the Hurricanes at an average of 51.20 and strike rate of 167.32. He also strikes at 167.3 against Nathan Ellis (55 balls, 92 runs, one dismissal).

Top all-rounder picks:

• Matt Short enjoys the Hurricanes matchup. The Strikers captain averages 48.90 with a strike rate of 157.23 in 12 matches against them (489 runs). This includes 83 runs off 49 balls without dismissal against Riley Meredith.
• Jamie Overton was bowling at speeds of up to 149.7km/h in the Strikers’ last match against the Thunder. He has nine wickets in five innings this season at a strike rate of 12.66.
• Mitch Owen averages just 17.75 in four innings against the Strikers, but he can go big on his day. The Hurricanes’ opener has scored 20 runs off just six balls against Jamie Overton.
• Liam Scott is the Strikers’ second-highest run-scorer in this BBL with 171 at an average of 42.75 and strike rate of 139.02. He can also contribute with the ball.

Key bowler picks:

• Nathan Ellis has picked up six wickets in three matches at Bellerive Oval this season. He has a good matchup against Matt Short: 41 balls, 52 runs, three wickets.
• Luke Wood has been excellent in the crunch overs. He has taken six wickets this season at an economy of 7.66 and strike rate of 18.

Other Players to Consider for your Fantasy Cricket Teams

• Tim Ward smashed 90 off 49 balls in the last match and will be looking to build on that form.
• Chris Jordan has taken just one wicket in his past four matches. But, he has strong potential in fantasy cricket as he bowls in the crunch overs and fields in the hotspot positions.
• Lloyd Pope is the Strikers’ leading wicket-taker this season with 10. Spinners have fared pretty well on this ground, so Pope is worth considering in some of your teams.
• Rishad Hossain and Tabraiz Shamsi are other good spin options. Rishad has gone wicketless twice in three matches in Hobart, but has looked good for most of the tournament (8 wickets, econ. 7.80, SR 19.50).

Other Stats and Important Matchups

• Head-to-head: Matches 25, Hurricanes 10, Strikers 14, N/R 1.
• At Bellerive Oval: Hurricanes 6, Strikers 2, N/R 1.
• Chris Lynn in T20s at the Bellerive Oval: 10 inns, 309 runs, avg. 38.63, SR 145.07.
• Jamie Overton vs Hobart Hurricanes: 4 inns, 7 wickets, avg. 20.00, econ. 9.33.
• Riley Meredith vs Adelaide Strikers: 13 inns, 11 wickets, avg. 38.45, econ. 9.23.
• Riley Meredith vs Chris Lynn: 49 balls, 64 runs, one wicket.

BBL 2025/26 28th Match: HUR vs STR Dream11 Prediction Today

Note: The below teams are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these in time. Use the stats and commentary in this article, as well as your own instincts, to create your teams. 

Option 1:

Option 2:

BBL 2025/26 28th Match: HUR vs STR Match Prediction – Who will win?

Hurricanes to win.

Disclaimer: The fantasy cricket stats, tips and predictions provided on CricBlog are intended for informational purposes for Dream11 free contests in line with the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025. The stats and writer’s views are in place to guide fans in creating their teams. While we strive to offer accurate and insightful advice, CricBlog does not guarantee success or winnings in any fantasy contests. Users are encouraged to make their own informed decisions and play responsibly.

All statistics and matchups in this article have been verified by ESPNcricinfo, Bigbashboard and Cricmetric.