WBBL08 match preview: Adelaide Strikers v Sydney Sixers

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 BBL

What's the match?

Adelaide Strikers take on Sydney Sixers in match three of the WBBL; the eighth edition of the tournament.

When is it taking place?

The game is scheduled to start at 2.40pm local time (5.40am BST) on Saturday, October 15.

Where is the match being played?

The Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay is set to stage this match.

Who's got the form?

Sydney Sixers and Adelaide Strikers had very different tournaments last year. The Sixers finished bottom of the table with only four wins from their 10 matches. The Strikers had a strong WBBL 2021, making it to the final only to be beaten by Perth Scorchers.

Sydney Sixers come into this encounter with a win already under their belt. They beat Brisbane Heat by four runs in their season opener, thanks to half centuries from Ellyse Perry and Erin Burns. Having brought in Charlotte Edwards as head coach and top-ranked T20I bowler Sophie Ecclestone, they look a strong side who will be going into this game with a huge amount of confidence.

Adelaide Strikers have not played in this year's WBBL but will be confident following their convincing win over Melbourne Stars in a recent trial game. Big-hitting allrounder Deandra Dottin showed form with both bat and ball, confirming she is very useful signing for the team. 

Strikers' captain Tahlia McGrath said ahead of the tournament: "We have a super well-rounded squad and I am excited to see what we can achieve together this season."

^{Ellyse Perry was player of the match in Sixers' win over Brisbane Heat (Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)}

What's the key match-up?

Adelaide Strikers have won all three of the past three encounters against Sydney Sixers. The last time the two sides met, the Sixers only managed to set 82, which was chased down in 10.2 overs.

It will be interesting to see how the batting quality of Laura Wolvaardt and Dottin matches up against the world's best in Ecclestone. This match also sees Australia internationals Perry and Alyssa Healy facing up to international team-mates McGrath, Darcie Brown and Megan Schutt.

Both teams are built differently, with Adelaide having a strong seam-bowling attack and Sydney Sixers with a top seven packed with quality and experience.

What's the weather forecast?

The afternoon is set to be sunny with temperatures up to 27 degrees celsius.

What is the team news?

Dottin will make her debut for the Adelaide Strikers if she plays. It will be new assitant coach Amy Satterthwaite's first match with Strikers, but Adelaide will be without Ella Wilson and Meagan Dixon who have travelled home to play Premier Cricket on Sunday. Zimbabwe leg-spinner Anesu Mushangwe could make her Women's Big Bash debut.

Sydney Sixers squad unchanged from their win over Brisbane Heat.

After Thursday's match, Maitlan Brown said: "It's great to start the season off with a win. It means a lot considering the season we had last year, and it's really nice momentum for the rest of the tournament."

What are the squads?

Adelaide Strikers: Tahlia McGrath (c), Jemma Barsby, Darcie Brown, Deandra Dottin, Katie Mack, Tegan McPharlin (wk), Anesu Mushangwe, Annie O'Neil, Bridget Patterson, Madeline Penna, Megan Schutt, Amanda-Jade Wellington, Laura Wolvaardt.

Sydney Sixers: Jade Allen, Suzie Bates, Nicole Bolton, Maitlin Brown, Erin Burns, Lauren Cheatle, Sophie Ecclestone, Ash Gardner (vc), Angie Genford, Alyssa Healy, Ellyse Perry (c), Kate Peterson, Hannah Trethewy.

*note these are squads for the WBBL season as a whole, and not specific to this game (see team news section for specific information)

^{Deandra Dottin will make her Adelaide Strikers debut on Saturday (Mark Brake/Getty Images)}

What are the possible starting XIs?

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

Sydney Sixers: Alyssa Healy (wk), Suzie Bates, Ellyse Perry, Ashleigh Gardner, Erin Burns, Nicole Bolton, Sophie Ecclestone, Maitlan Brown, Stella Campbell, Lauren Cheatle, Kate Peterson

What are the odds?

There is no favourite for this match with odds coming in for both sides at 10/11.

What's the prediction?

Syndey Sixers' experienced batting lineup gives them the edge over Adelaide Strikers. Sixers' batting depth makes them more likely to continue their winning form.

Are tickets available?

Yes. Tickets are priced at $10 for adults (over 16) and $5 for children (under 16) and can be purchased on 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 from 5.35am (BST) and on Sky Sports Main Event from 7.30am (BST).

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.