Last Updated on 4 months ago by Charbel Coorey

BBL action returns to the Gabba a week after the highest and most remarkable run chase in the competition’s history. Brisbane Heat take on the Adelaide Strikers in what could be a run-fest, especially given the Heat’s bowling struggles so far.

The Heat have conceded totals of 212, 257 and 193 this season. They are certainly capable of hitting big scores with the bat, but if they continue to give up such large numbers, they will struggle to put any meaningful run of form together. In fact, they lost their last match to the Thunder in meek fashion.

So, you can forgive the Strikers if they think there is an opportunity for their batting order to find runs. They couldn’t get going in their home game against the Melbourne Stars a few nights ago, crawling to 155/8. On what is expected to be a fine batting track here, they will need more from their top order.

BBL 2025/26 13th Match: HEA vs STR Possible Playing XIs

Oli Patterson is back in the Heat squad. He could replace Liam Haskett who has been very expensive this season.

Brisbane Heat: 1. Colin Munro (OS), 2. Jack Wildermuth, 3. Matt Renshaw, 4. Hugh Weibgen, 5. Tom Alsop (OS), 6. Max Bryant, 7. Jimmy Peirson (wk), 8. Xavier Bartlett (c), 9. Shaheen Shah Afridi (OS), 10. Matthew Kuhnemann, 11. Liam Haskett/Oli Patterson

Adelaide Strikers could stick with the same XI that lost to the Melbourne Stars.

Adelaide Strikers: 1. Matthew Short (c), 2. Chris Lynn, 3. Jason Sangha, 4. Liam Scott, 5. Alex Ross, 6. Jamie Overton (OS), 7. Harry Nielsen (wk), 8. Jerrssis Wadia, 9. Hassan Ali (OS), 10. Henry Thornton, 11. Lloyd Pope

Gabba Brisbane Pitch Report and Weather

Expect another magnificent batting track at the Gabba. Brisbane Heat chased down 258 against Perth Scorchers last week. In fact, chasing teams have won the past five T20s on this ground.

Since the start of 2023, pace bowlers have taken 129 BBL wickets here at an average of 24.28 and economy of 9.03. Spinners have taken 34 wickets in the same period at an average of 46.44 and economy of 8.55.

A cloudy evening is forecast with a top of 26 degrees. No rain is expected.

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

Top wicket-keeper picks:

• Wicket-keeper picks are tricky for this match. Tom Alsop will probably bat in the highest position, but he’s unproven in Australian conditions. Harry Nielsen batted at nine in the last match. Jimmy Peirson has 318 runs against the Strikers at an average of 28.91 and strike rate of 141.96.

Key batter picks:

• Matt Renshaw is in magnificent form. He’s smashed 163 runs at a strike rate of 179.12 this season, including 102 (51) on this ground. Renshaw also has magnificent numbers against the Strikers: 8 inns, 306 runs, avg. 51.00, SR 151.49.
• Colin Munro career record against against Adelaide Strikers: 6 inns, 133 runs, avg. 26.60, SR 130.39.

Top all-rounder picks:

• Jack Wildermuth bowls four overs and opens the batting. He smashed 110* off 54 balls at the Gabba last week. He is a must-pick in fantasy cricket and is a genuine c/vc option.
• Matt Short strikes at 156.63 in 10 innings against the Heat. If Short gets through the powerplay, he can go big against a Heat attack that is leaking plenty of runs.
• Watch out for Jamie Overton at the backend of the Strikers batting innings, especially if they bat first. The all-rounder has struck 15 runs off five balls against Xavier Bartlett. He is also a key bowler for the Strikers and has picked up three wickets in two games this season.

Key bowler picks:

• Xavier Bartlett struggled in the last game against the Thunder in Canberra (0/52). But, he returns to the Gabba where he has a fine record: 21 inns, 33 wickets, avg. 17.42, SR 12.70.
• Hassan Ali will bowl in the crunch overs. He has 56 wickets in 30 innings in all T20s this year at an average of 17.9 and strike rate of 11.7.

Other Players to Consider for your Fantasy Cricket Teams

• Liam Scott has looked impressive with the bat, hitting scores of 51 and 25 at number four this season. He has only bowled one over so far, but is capable of taking wickets if given the opportunity.
• Chris Lynn is yet to get going this season but he returns to his beloved Gabba. He has the most T20 runs on this ground (1,206) at an average of 34.46 and strike rate of 163.64.
• Lloyd Pope has started BBL 2025/26 in strong fashion, taking 2/25 and 1/22 so far. He has six wickets in three matches against the Heat, but how will he go on a batting-friendly Gabba pitch?
• Shaheen Shah Afridi is key to the Heat’s hopes. His 1/35 against the Thunder was his best performance so far in this BBL 2025/26 season. He is worth a pick as he bowls at the backend of the innings.
• Hugh Weibgen has looked in decent touch this season (although he struggled for rhythm against the Thunder) and could bat in the top four again.

Other Stats and Important Matchups

• Head-to-head: Matches 22, Heat 11, Strikers 10, N/R 1.
• Strikers have won six of 10 matches against the Heat at the Gabba.
• Jimmy Peirson has the second-most T20 runs at the Gabba (751).
• Xavier Bartlett vs Adelaide Strkers: 7 inns, 6 wickets, avg. 37.67, econ. 9.04.
• Shaheen Shah Afridi has dismissed Matt Short once in 12 balls in T20s (22 runs) and twice in 27 balls in ODIs (27 runs).
• Lloyd Pope vs Jimmy Peirson: 17 balls, 14 runs, one wicket.
• Xavier Bartlett vs Matt Short: 29 balls, 43 runs, one wicket.

BBL 2025/26 13th Match: HEA vs STR Dream11 Prediction

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 13th Match: HEA vs STR Match Prediction – Who will win?

This one has the potential to be a high-scoring match and is tough to pick. Will back Adelaide Strikers to win with their greater depth.

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.