Photo Credit: Adelaide Strikers
The eighth edition of the WBBL promises to be the biggest yet as the Adelaide Strikers aim to go one step better after finishing runner-up last season.
While every game will be action-packed, we’ve highlighted five key matches Strikers fans simply cannot miss in Weber WBBL|08.
Adelaide Strikers v Sydney Sixers
Saturday October 15 – 2:40pm local at Great Barrier Reef Stadium, Mackay
The Strikers open their WBBL|08 campaign against two-time champions the Sydney Sixers in Mackay in what will be a star-studded matchup.
Adelaide’s Australian representatives Megan Schutt, Darcie Brown, Tahlia McGrath and Amanda-Jade Wellington will go toe-to-toe with Sixers guns Ellyse Perry, Ashleigh Gardner and Alyssa Healy. The Strikers will also need to contend with the world’s No.1 ranked T20I bowler in England spinner Sophie Ecclestone, who will suit up for her first WBBL campaign with the Sixers.
The clash comes with added spice as former Strikers skipper Suzie Bates returns to the WBBL in magenta and ex-player and assistant coach Charlotte Edwards begins her tenure as Head Coach of the Sixers.
Adelaide Strikers v Sydney Sixers
Friday October 21 – 2:55pm local at Karen Rolton Oval, Adelaide
The return bout between the two teams comes just one week later and will be Adelaide’s first home match of the summer, bringing some of the world’s biggest superstars right into our backyard.
The Friday afternoon timeslot looms as the perfect family day out to launch into the weekend at the picturesque Karen Rolton Oval on the outskirts of Adelaide’s CBD.
The boutique venue brings fans close to the action and has numerous vantage points all around the ground, as well as a host of free activations and giveaways for kids on game day. Karen Rolton Oval is also dog friendly, so we look forward to seeing plenty of four-legged friends joining in the fun.
On the pitch, it will be Adelaide’s third match of WBBL|08 and a crucial one to build momentum heading into the heart of the season.
Adelaide Strikers v Perth Scorchers
Friday October 28 – 2:15pm local at Allan Border Field, Brisbane
The Strikers and Scorchers meet for the first time since the WBBL|07 Grand Final in what promises to be a hot contest in Brisbane.
Adelaide will be out for redemption after Perth denied the Strikers their maiden WBBL title in last year’s decider in front of a record WBBL crowd of over 15,000. It followed a Super Over thriller earlier in the season which also went the Scorchers’ way.
The two teams have built a meaningful rivalry over the years featuring several finals battles and WBBL’s first foray into Alice Springs, with the head-to-head record of 8-7, in favour of the Strikers, reflecting the competitiveness between the two franchises.
But things are set to go to another level this season following last year’s Grand Final clash, particularly with three-time Strikers MVP Sophie Devine serving as captain of Perth’s WBBL squad.
Adelaide Strikers v Sydney Thunder
Sunday November 13 – 2:30pm local at Centennial Park, Nuriootpa
WBBL action returns to the Barossa after a three-year hiatus as the Strikers host the Sydney Thunder at Nuriootpa in what will be the first clash between the two teams in WBBL|08.
Adelaide dominated the Melbourne Stars in the inaugural match at the regional centre back in WBBL|05, winning by 57 runs in front of a delighted crowd.
The Barossa’s own Darcie Brown, originally from Kapunda, was not selected as a 16-year-old in her first season as a Striker back in 2019, however will likely be leading the charge in front of friends and family against the Thunder this time around.
It’s the perfect opportunity for regional fans to get a taste of Big Bash action and witness some of the world’s best up close while enjoying a trip to one of the most beautiful location’s Australia has to offer.
Adelaide Strikers v Brisbane Heat
Monday November 14 – 5:30pm local at Karen Rolton Oval, Adelaide
The Strikers’ last home game at Karen Rolton Oval for the season looms as a huge one against fierce rivals the Brisbane Heat.
The two teams have had several brilliant battles over the years, including a tense Super Over tiebreaker in WBBL|02 and a Grand Final clash in WBBL|05 – both going the way of the Heat. Adelaide extracted revenge in last year’s Eliminator to end Brisbane’s WBBL|07 campaign, courtesy of a stunning haul of 5/8 from leg-spinner Wellington.
Another chapter to the rivalry will be added as the two clubs compete for the Faith Thomas Trophy for the first time, named in honour of the first Indigenous woman to play international cricket for Australia. Both teams will don special playing kits as just one of the highlights of WBBL First Nations Round.
The Strikers will be eager to thank their home fans at Karen Rolton Oval one last time and secure a valuable victory at the business end of the minor round.There’s still time to secure your WBBL membership for WBBL|08 which grants entry to all WBBL games in South Australia, exclusive merchandise discounts and priority access to BBL and Big Bash finals tickets. The membership is also fully transferrable.
