South Australia vs Victoria Prediction: Who Will Win SAUS vs VIC 2nd Test Sheffield Shield on 4th October 2025?
The 2025/26 Sheffield Shield season gets underway with a blockbuster contest as defending champions South Australia host Victoria at the iconic Adelaide Oval. The South Australia vs Victoria prediction for this 2nd Test is highly anticipated, with both teams looking to assert dominance early in the tournament. South Australia enter the new campaign with confidence after a dominant season last year, where they lifted the Shield with consistency across departments. Victoria, on the other hand, narrowly missed out on a final berth in 2024/25 but showed signs of resurgence in their last fixture with a 34-run win over Western Australia.
Both sides possess international talent aiming for Ashes selection, adding even more intrigue to this fixture. South Australia will rely heavily on their formidable pace attack and solid batting unit, while Victoria’s mix of experience and youth gives them a fighting chance. With the Adelaide Oval offering balanced conditions, this contest promises to be a fierce battle where patience, partnerships, and discipline with the ball could determine the winner. Expect South Australia to start strong at home, but Victoria’s hunger to break their recent losing streak against the champions could make this one of the most competitive matches of the opening round.
Match Details
| Match | SAUS vs VIC, 2nd Test Sheffield Shield 2025/26 |
|---|---|
| Date | Saturday, October 4th, 2025 |
| Time | 5:30 AM (IST) |
| Venue | Adelaide Oval, North Adelaide |
| Live Streaming | Fancode |
South Australia Preview
South Australia enter this fixture as the reigning Sheffield Shield champions after a memorable 2024/25 campaign where they lost only once throughout the season. Their triumph in the final against Queensland highlighted their bowling strength, particularly Brendan Doggett’s devastating 6/31 which reduced Queensland to rubble inside 15 overs. Heading into this season, South Australia will bank on their potent pace attack, which has been the backbone of their success in recent years.
The trio of Brendan Doggett, Nathan McAndrew, and Jordan Buckingham bring a deadly combination of swing, seam, and aggression. Doggett’s ability to strike with the new ball has been match-defining, while McAndrew’s consistency and Buckingham’s growth as a reliable pacer make this unit formidable. Ben Manenti provides spin balance, particularly useful in Adelaide where the wicket can dry out on later days.
With the bat, captain Nathan McSweeney remains their anchor and leader, while opener Henry Hunt continues to impress with his resilience at the top. Alex Carey’s dual role as wicketkeeper and experienced middle-order bat adds stability, complemented by Jake Lehmann’s stroke play. Jason Sangha’s inclusion further strengthens the batting depth, giving South Australia a well-rounded XI.
The defending champions also boast tactical flexibility, as seen last season where they adapted superbly to conditions and oppositions. Playing at home in Adelaide gives them an additional edge with crowd support and familiarity of conditions. After dominating Victoria in their last two head-to-heads, confidence will be high, and they’ll look to begin their title defense with a commanding performance.
South Australia Predicted Playing XI:
Conor McInerney, Henry Hunt, Nathan McSweeney (c), Jason Sangha, Alex Carey (wk), Jake Lehmann, Liam Scott, Ben Manenti, Nathan McAndrew, Brendan Doggett, Jordan Buckingham
Victoria Preview
Victoria’s 2024/25 Sheffield Shield season was mixed, but they ended on a positive note by defeating Western Australia by 34 runs in their last match. Although they missed out on a place in the final, their squad has the balance to challenge top sides, and they will be determined to break their losing run against South Australia.
Victoria’s batting lineup revolves around the experienced Marcus Harris, who has long been in contention for national selection and will use this season as another opportunity to press his claims for the Ashes. Alongside him, Peter Handscomb brings calmness and reliability in the middle order, while youngsters like Blake Macdonald and Oliver Peake add freshness and energy. Skipper Will Sutherland’s all-round ability will be crucial in holding the batting together while offering seam-bowling strength.
In the bowling department, Victoria boasts a solid mix of youth and experience. Veteran Peter Siddle continues to bring wisdom and control, supporting the pace of Fergus O’Neill and David Moody. O’Neill, in particular, has been one of the most consistent wicket-takers in four-day cricket recently. Todd Murphy, the off-spinner who has already impressed at the international stage, will play a key role in exploiting Adelaide’s conditions on the later days.
The challenge for Victoria will be to start well in hostile territory against the defending champions. Their batting has to stand firm against South Australia’s fiery pace attack, while bowlers like Murphy and Siddle will be tasked with breaking South Australia’s strong batting partnerships. With players pushing for international selection, expect Victoria to show plenty of fight, but consistency across all four days will determine whether they can upset the champions.
Victoria Predicted Playing XI:
Campbell Kellaway, Marcus Harris, Blake Macdonald, Oliver Peake, Peter Handscomb (wk), Harry Dixon, Will Sutherland (c), Fergus O’Neill, Todd Murphy, Peter Siddle, David Moody
Dream11 Prediction for Today South Australia vs Victoria 2nd Test
| Role | Players |
|---|---|
| Batsmen | Henry Hunt, Marcus Harris, Nathan McSweeney, Peter Handscomb |
| All-Rounders | Will Sutherland, Nathan McAndrew |
| Wicketkeeper | Alex Carey |
| Bowlers | Brendan Doggett, Fergus O’Neill, Jordan Buckingham, Todd Murphy |
Captain Choices: Nathan McSweeney, Will Sutherland
Vice-Captain Choices: Alex Carey, Henry Hunt
Players to Avoid: Harry Dixon (inconsistent), Conor McInerney (lacks recent big scores)
This balanced XI features reliable run-scorers and bowlers capable of making key breakthroughs.
Also Check: Get The Best Dream11 Prediction From Cricket Experts
Favourite Team in Today’s Match
South Australia are favorites heading into this contest due to their status as defending champions, their strong home record at Adelaide Oval, and their well-balanced squad. With a powerful pace attack led by Brendan Doggett and Nathan McAndrew, they have the ability to dismantle opposition batting early. Their batting unit, anchored by skipper Nathan McSweeney and supported by Alex Carey’s experience, provides both stability and attacking depth.
Additionally, their confidence from beating Victoria in the last two head-to-head encounters gives them a psychological advantage. While Victoria certainly possess experienced names like Marcus Harris and Peter Handscomb, South Australia’s combination of form, momentum, and conditions makes them the team to beat. Unless Victoria’s batting lineup produces something extraordinary, South Australia are likely to dominate this match and begin their title defense on a winning note.
South Australia Test History
South Australia have played 906 first-class matches, winning 251, losing 413, drawing 241, and tying once, showcasing a competitive but fluctuating history.
Victoria Test History
Victoria have featured in 916 first-class games, winning 355, losing 262, drawing 298, and tying once, making them one of the most successful domestic teams.
Also Check: South Australia vs Victoria Head to Head in First Class Cricket
Pitch Report
Adelaide Oval offers a balanced surface. Early movement aids seamers, but batters can settle for big scores once set. Spinners get assistance on days 3 and 4.
Weather Report
Clear skies are forecast with temperatures around 23–25°C. Ideal conditions for uninterrupted play across all four days.
Broadcast Details
Live streaming details are yet to be announced.
Toss Prediction
South Australia are expected to win the toss and bat first to maximize favorable batting conditions early.
Match Prediction
Winner: South Australia
With their superior pace attack, strong batting lineup, and recent dominance over Victoria, South Australia are likely to start their campaign with a win at home.
✅ If South Australia bat first: Expect 270+
✅ If Victoria bat first: Expect 265+
Also, once the toss takes place, we might modify the Today Match Prediction as per the playing XIs. Please check this blog after the toss for the updated Prediction.
Disclaimer: Predictions are for entertainment purposes only. We don’t get involved in or promote betting or gambling. Also, We strongly discourage behaviors of participating in illegal activities related to cricket. Our experts try to be as correct as possible, but we do not guarantee 100% correctness.
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