Victoria vs Western Australia Prediction: Who Will Win VIC vs WAUS 16th Test Sheffield Shield 2025?
Cricket fans are eagerly awaiting the most accurate Victoria vs Western Australia prediction as both sides prepare to face off in the 16th Test match of the Sheffield Shield 2025. Scheduled for Thursday, 4th December 2025 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), this match brings together two teams with contrasting campaigns so far.
Victoria, who sit at the top of the points table, started the season with four consecutive victories before suffering a seven-wicket defeat against Queensland in their previous match. They will be determined to return to winning ways, especially in front of their home crowd at the iconic MCG.
Meanwhile, Western Australia find themselves at the bottom of the table, but the standings do not fully reflect how competitive they have been in recent rounds. With their last three matches resulting in undefeated outings, Western Australia are slowly gaining rhythm and momentum at the right time.
The previous head-to-head meetings add another layer of intrigue, with Victoria targeting their third successive win over Western Australia in the longest format. Historically, Victoria have dominated at home, especially when their bowling unit fires in helpful conditions.
However, Western Australia’s middle order has shown signs of resurgence, making this contest far closer than the points table suggests. This clash is not merely a top-vs-bottom affair; rather, it is a battle between a team seeking stability at the top and another hunting for resurgence.
With players such as Peter Handscomb, Sam Harper, Hilton Cartwright, Jayden Goodwin, Cameron Bancroft and Aaron Hardie in action, fans can expect a high-quality red-ball contest. The pitch at MCG traditionally supports both pacers and batters who apply themselves, ensuring a gripping multi-day contest.
In this comprehensive preview, we break down the full Victoria vs Western Australia prediction, covering team analysis, match details, fantasy XI, pitch and weather insight, score projection, captaincy picks, toss prediction and final match verdict to help you understand every angle ahead of this crucial Sheffield Shield clash.
Match Details
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | Victoria vs Western Australia, 16th Test |
| Date | Thursday, December 4th, 2025 |
| Time | 5:00 AM IST |
| Venue | Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne |
| Tournament | Sheffield Shield 2025 |
Victoria Team Preview
Victoria were brought back down to reality after their first defeat of the season against Queensland in a day-night encounter at the Gabba. Declaring their first innings at 318/9, they appeared in control early on but were unable to maintain pressure as Queensland struck back with 430 runs, exposing gaps in Victoria’s bowling discipline. Their second-innings collapse for just 143 proved costly, giving Queensland an easy target of 32 which they chased down comfortably.
Despite the setback, Victoria remain one of the strongest teams in the competition. Their top order is built around Sam Harper, Campbell Kellaway and Marcus Harris—players known for their patience and ability to bat long. Peter Handscomb, with his vast experience, remains a vital presence in the middle order. Matthew Short and Oliver Peake provide stability and can accelerate when required.
Captain Will Sutherland leads a dynamic bowling attack. His accuracy and control often create early breakthroughs. Fergus O’Neill is their key pace weapon, consistently delivering hostile spells, especially in helpful conditions at the MCG. Todd Murphy, the star spinner, brings variation and wicket-taking ability, particularly in the middle sessions on Day 3 and Day 4 pitches. Mitchell Perry and Sam Elliott add depth as supporting seamers.
Victoria’s balance between batting depth and versatile bowling makes them a formidable contender—particularly at home, where they have enjoyed significant success. Their primary focus will be on correcting their inconsistencies from the previous match and bouncing back strongly.
Western Australia Team Preview
Western Australia may sit at the bottom of the points table, but their recent performances suggest improvement and renewed confidence. In their previous match against South Australia, they showcased grit and competitive spirit despite not securing a win. Batting was a major positive, with Jayden Goodwin scoring half-centuries in both innings, anchoring the top order with maturity. Hilton Cartwright and Cooper Connolly also performed well, with Connolly registering a fifty that demonstrated his growing potential in the red-ball format.
The batting unit appears more settled now, with Cameron Bancroft and Sam Whiteman forming a solid opening pair. Bancroft’s experience in Test cricket makes him crucial, while Whiteman’s leadership and composure add strength to the lineup. All-rounder Aaron Hardie remains one of Western Australia’s biggest assets due to his ability to contribute significantly with both bat and ball.
Bowling is an area where Western Australia continue to build consistency. Their attack includes Liam Haskett—expected to lead the pace department—along with Brody Couch, Cameron Gannon, and Corey Rocchiccioli. While the attack does not have express pace, it offers discipline, skillful variation and a mix of spin and seam. Most of their bowlers picked wickets in the previous match, indicating strong form and rhythm heading into this fixture.
With their recent unbeaten run and improved collective contributions, Western Australia will aim to challenge the top-ranked Victoria side. If their top order holds firm and bowlers apply consistent pressure, they can certainly push for a breakthrough victory.
Team Squads
Victoria Squad
Will Sutherland (c), Campbell Kellaway, Sam Harper (wk), Marcus Harris, Peter Handscomb, Matthew Short, Oliver Peake, Mitchell Perry, Fergus O’Neill, Sam Elliott, Todd Murphy.
Western Australia Squad
Sam Whiteman (c), Cameron Bancroft, Jayden Goodwin, Hilton Cartwright, Cooper Connolly, Aaron Hardie, Joel Curtis (wk), Corey Rocchiccioli, Cameron Gannon, Brody Couch, Liam Haskett.
Probable Playing XI
| Victoria XI | Western Australia XI |
|---|---|
| Campbell Kellaway | Cameron Bancroft |
| Sam Harper (wk) | Sam Whiteman (c) |
| Marcus Harris | Jayden Goodwin |
| Peter Handscomb | Hilton Cartwright |
| Matthew Short | Cooper Connolly |
| Oliver Peake | Aaron Hardie |
| Will Sutherland (c) | Joel Curtis (wk) |
| Mitchell Perry | Corey Rocchiccioli |
| Fergus O’Neill | Cameron Gannon |
| Sam Elliott | Brody Couch |
| Todd Murphy | Liam Haskett |
Dream11 Prediction for Today Victoria vs Western Australia 16th Test
| Role | Players |
|---|---|
| WK | Sam Harper |
| BAT | Cameron Bancroft, Marcus Harris, Peter Handscomb |
| ALL | Will Sutherland, Aaron Hardie, Matthew Short |
| BOWL | Todd Murphy, Fergus O’Neill, Liam Haskett, Corey Rocchiccioli |
This fantasy XI combines reliable red-ball performers with consistent all-rounders and wicket-taking bowlers. Sam Harper is the ideal wicketkeeper, offering steady contributions with the bat. Marcus Harris, Cameron Bancroft and Peter Handscomb anchor the batting unit with their proven Shield experience. All-rounders Will Sutherland, Matthew Short and Aaron Hardie add immense value, contributing both runs and wickets across long spells.
In the bowling department, Todd Murphy is a must-have due to his ability to exploit MCG conditions, especially on Days 3 and 4. Fergus O’Neill brings pace and movement, while Liam Haskett offers swing and new-ball breakthroughs. Corey Rocchiccioli completes the lineup as a dependable spin option.
Captain & Vice-Captain Picks
- Captain: Will Sutherland
- Vice-Captain: Aaron Hardie
Players to Avoid
- Oliver Peake (inconsistent Shield form)
- Cameron Gannon (expensive in previous matches)
Also Check: Get The Best Dream11 Prediction From Cricket Experts
Favourite Team Today
Victoria enter this match as favourites due to their stronger overall squad balance, superior recent form and dominant performances at home. Despite losing their previous match to Queensland, their first four victories showcased resilience and depth in both batting and bowling departments. Their lineup features multiple experienced campaigners such as Handscomb, Harris, Harper and Sutherland—players who thrive in long-format cricket. Todd Murphy’s spin threat at the MCG further gives them an edge on a pitch that typically offers turn later in the match.
On the other hand, Western Australia have improved in recent games but still lack consistency at key moments. Their batting relies heavily on Goodwin and Cartwright, while their bowling attack lacks the explosiveness required to trouble Victoria’s seasoned top order. With the home advantage, stronger bench strength and established performers across departments, Victoria comfortably hold the upper hand.
Victoria Test History
Victoria have played 921 Test-format matches in Australian domestic cricket, winning 359, losing 263, drawing 336 and tying 1, establishing themselves as one of the most successful sides.
Western Australia Test History
Western Australia have played 691 long-format domestic matches, winning 247, losing 213 and drawing 231, showcasing a history of competitiveness and strong performances.
Pitch Report
The MCG pitch typically offers early assistance to seamers with bounce and lateral movement. As the match progresses, the surface flattens out, allowing batters to build long innings. Spin becomes increasingly influential from Day 3 onwards, with footmarks aiding turn and variable bounce. Overall, this is a balanced surface that rewards patience, discipline and skill across all departments.
Weather Report
Clear skies are expected throughout the match with mild temperatures and minimal rain chances. Conditions will be ideal for a full five-day contest with consistent daylight play.
Broadcast Details
Live streaming will be available exclusively on Fancode for viewers around the globe.
Toss Prediction
Victoria are likely to win the toss and opt to bat first, taking advantage of the fresh pitch before it begins to show wear from Day 3.
Match Prediction
Victoria have the stronger squad, better form and a more balanced attack, giving them a clear advantage in home conditions.
Predicted Winner: Victoria.
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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