WBBL08 final preview: Sydney Sixers v Adelaide Strikers

Key match-ups, analysis, form, team news, weather forecast, tickets, TV and streaming information, odds, predictions and more ahead of the latest encounter in the 2022 Weber WBBL

What's the match?

Sydney Sixers take on Adelaide Strikers in the 2022/23 WBBL final.

When is it taking place?

The game is scheduled to start at 5.20pm local time (6.20am GMT) on Saturday, November 26.

Where is the match being played?

The game will be played in Sydney at the North Sydney Oval.

Who's got the form?

Sydney Sixers finished six points clear of their opponents Adelaide Strikers in the regular table and head into the final off the back of five consecutive wins - in fact, they've only lost twice in 14 games this season. Having topped the table, they could sit back and relax during the knockout stages having secured direct entry to the final.

Adelaide Strikers really set the tone for the final after a confident run chase of 155 saw the two-time finalists eliminate Brisbane Heat in the Challenger: they're not afraid to chase down big totals. The Strikers will be looking to go one better after the disappointment of losing to Perth Scorchers at this stage last season.

Going into the game the Sixers will be more rested and calmer having not played since November 20, a game that saw them chase down the Hobart Hurricanes score of 156 with ease. But Adelaide could hold the edge: coming off the back of a huge run chase the players will be brimming with confidence hoping momentum can propel them to WBBL08 glory. 

During the group stages, the two sides shared the spoils, meaning this match could go either way.

^{Ashleigh Gardner (right) is a threat with bat and ball for Sydney Sixers [Daniel Pockett/Getty Images]}

What's the key match-up?

Megan Schutt has been magic with the ball for the Strikers this WBBL, picking up 26 wickets, but she could have her thunder stolen by Sixers allrounder Ashleigh Gardner, who has taken 23 wickets and scored 339 runs in the tournament to date. She has all the tools to light up this final and her attacking batting and off-spin deliveries have already caused damage all over the WBBL this year. 

Ellyse Perry has also starred for the Sydney Sixers averaging just under 42 runs an innings with 375 runs so far in this year's WBBL.

For the Strikers, Laura Wolvaardt is a run machine. The South African has racked up 388 runs over the course of 15 innings and laid the foundations for her side's victory in the Challenger, contributing 47 runs off 45 balls - her third 40-plus knock in her past four outings.

What's the weather forecast?

Partly cloudy conditions and temperatures of around 19 degrees Celsius are expected at North Sydney Oval.

What is the team news?

Maitlan Brown could make a surprise return for the Sixers after the right-arm fast bowler was included in the Sixers' 15-player squad. Brown has been absent for the past six matches due to a back issue.

The Strikers have the luxury of a fully fit squad to select from.

What are the squads?

Sydney Sixers: Ellyse Perry (c), Jade Allen, Suzie Bates, Nicole Bolton, Maitlan Brown, Erin Burns, Stella Campbell, Lauren Cheatle, Sophie Ecclestone, Ash Gardner, Ange Genford, Alyssa Healy, Kate Peterson

Adelaide Strikers: Jemma Barsby, Darcie Brown, Deandra Dottin, Tahlia McGrath, Tegan McPharlin, Annie O’Neil, Bridget Patterson, Maddie Penna, Megan Schutt, Amanda-Jade Wellington, Laura Wolvaardt, Ella Wilson, Anesu Mushangwe, Meagan Dixon, Katie Mack

What are the possible starting XIs?

Sydney Sixers: Suzie Bates, Alyssa Healy, Ellyse Perry, Ashleigh Gardner, Erin Burns, Nicole Bolton, Sophie Ecclestone, Kate Peterson, Ange Genford, Lauren Cheatle, Jade Allen

Adelaide Strikers: Katie Mack, Laura Wolvaardt, Tahlia McGrath, Deandra Dottin, Bridget Patterson, Madeline Penna, Tegan McPharlin, Amanda-Jade Wellington, Jemma Barsby, Megan Schutt, Darcie Brown

^{Megan Schutt is in good form for Adelaide Strikers [Mark Brake/Getty Images]}

What are the odds?

Sydney Sixers are favourites with odds of 4/7, while Adelaide Strikers are at 11/8 to win.

What's the prediction?

Sydney Sixers have to be favourites, especially with Gardner in career-best form.

Are tickets available?

Tickets are available for purchase for $10 via Ticketek.

Where can I watch the game?

Sky Sports holds the UK rights for the WBBL. This game will be shown on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event. Coverage of the competition resumes on November 18.

In Australia, fans will be able to watch all 59 matches in the WBBL live and free on either the Seven Network or cricket.com.au

A total of 24 games will be televised on free-to-air on Seven and simulcast on Foxtel and Kayo, while the remaining 35 games will be shown on Foxtel and Kayo Sports and also live-streamed for free on cricket.com.au.