The Adelaide Strikers step out onto Karen Rolton Oval on October 31 looking to stamp their authority early in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) 12, welcoming a Melbourne Stars side that already got off to a flyer.
The Strikers always bring a fierce competitive edge to home turf, blending experienced match-winners with exciting emerging talent who know how to handle the pressure of the Big Bash. On the other side, the Stars roll into Adelaide high on confidence following an opening win where Annabel Sutherland put on a masterclass against the Hurricanes, proving they have the firepower to dominate both with bat and ball.
As the action unfolds in match 4, all eyes will be on how the Strikers’ top order tackles a disciplined Stars bowling attack led by that star all-rounder. Karen Rolton Oval typically offers a true, fast-scoring surface, meaning powerplay execution will dictate the tempo of the innings and put immense pressure on whichever side fields first under the Adelaide sun.
Expect a tight tactical battle in the middle overs as both captains shuffle their spin options to choke the run rate, and while the Stars carry early momentum, the Strikers playing at home have a habit of finding an extra gear that could easily push this contest down to the final over.
Squads:
Adelaide Strikers Women’s Cricket Team
Tahlia McGrath (C), Maia Bouchier, Darcie Brown, Emma de Broughe, Maggie Clark, Sophie Ecclestone*, Ellie Johnston, Eleanor Larosa, Anesu Mushangwe, Bridget Patterson, Maddie Penna, Megan Schutt, Amanda-Jade Wellington, Ella Wilson, Laura Wolvaardt
Melbourne Stars Women’s Cricket Team
Meg Lanning (C), Sophie Day, Charlie Dean, Kim Garth, Dani Gibson, Maisy Gibson, Amy Jones, Carly Leeson, Rhys McKenna, Indigo Noble, Georgia Prestwidge, Zoe Samuel, Naomi Stalenberg, Annabel Sutherland
Head-to-Head:
- Played – 20
- Adelaide Strikers Won – 10
- Melbourne Stars Won – 9
- NR – 1
When looking at the historical numbers between these two sides, balance is the word that immediately comes to mind. Across 20 encounters in WBBL history, the Adelaide Strikers hold the slimmest possible advantage with 10 wins compared to the Melbourne Stars’ 9, alongside a single match ending without a result.
It is a matchup defined by fine margins and relentless tussles, where momentum shifts quickly and neither side has ever truly managed to pull away as a clear, dominant force over an extended era. That neck-and-neck record only adds extra tension to this fixture, as every clash feels like a direct tug-of-war for head-to-head supremacy.
Where to watch: Match 4 – Women’s Big Bash League 2026
Date – October 31, 2026 (Friday)
Time – 10:10 AM IST
Venue – Karen Rolton Oval, Adelaide
Live Streaming Details:
India and Subcontinent –
Broadcast: Star Sports Network
Live Streaming: Jio Hotstar/Fancode
Australia –
Broadcast: Channel 7, Fox Cricket
Live Streaming: 7Plus, Kayo Sports, CA Live
United Kingdom –
Broadcast: Sky Sports Cricket
Live Streaming: NOW TV/ SKY Sports App
United States –
Broadcast: Willow TV
Live Streaming: Willow TV/Prime Video
New Zealand –
Broadcast: Sky Sport New Zealand
Live Streaming: Sky Go