Victoria vs Queensland Prediction: Who Will Win VIC vs QLD 16th ODI Match on 3rd February 2026?
The Victoria vs Queensland prediction for the 16th ODI of the Australia One Day Cup 2026 points toward a fascinating contest between two sides with contrasting momentum. The match will be played on Tuesday, 3rd February 2026 at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, a venue known for balanced conditions and big-match temperament. This Victoria vs Queensland prediction becomes especially interesting because Victoria are struggling at the bottom of the table, while Queensland are firmly placed in the top two and pushing for a finals berth. Despite recent results, Victoria possess a strong core of experienced internationals and proven domestic performers who are capable of turning the tide at home.
From a form perspective, Victoria have managed just one win from five matches, but their batting showed positive signs in the previous outing where multiple players crossed the fifty-run mark. The return to Melbourne could work in their favor, as familiarity with conditions often plays a decisive role in one-day matches. Queensland, on the other hand, arrive with confidence after a dominant win over New South Wales, powered by a century from Marnus Labuschagne and disciplined bowling across phases. Their consistency makes them a dangerous opponent, yet away conditions at the MCG can neutralize even the best sides.
This Victoria vs Queensland prediction also has significant fantasy cricket implications. Key all-rounders, top-order anchors, and death-over specialists from both teams are expected to influence the outcome. With Victoria desperate for points and Queensland aiming to consolidate their position, expect an intense, competitive encounter. As always, Cricketwebs provide detailed and reliable match prediction insights, and based on venue advantage and squad depth, this clash could be closer than the points table suggests. The final Victoria vs Queensland prediction leans slightly toward the home side, but only if their senior players step up under pressure.
Match Details
| Match | VIC vs QLD, 16th ODI |
|---|---|
| Date | Tuesday, 3rd February 2026 |
| Time | 4:30 AM (IST) |
| Venue | Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne |
| Tournament | Australia One Day Cup |
Team Preview
Victoria Team Preview
Victoria are currently placed at the bottom of the points table with one win and four losses. Their campaign so far has been inconsistent, but there are positives to take from recent performances. Sam Harper has been the standout batter, scoring 253 runs in the tournament and providing stability in the middle order. Matthew Short and Peter Handscomb add experience and attacking intent at the top and middle, while youngsters like Harry Dixon and Thomas Rogers have shown glimpses of promise.
In their last match against Western Australia, Victoria posted a competitive total of 285 after batting first. Although early wickets put them under pressure, the middle order responded well with multiple half-centuries. However, the bowling unit failed to defend the total, lacking penetration in the middle overs. Sam Elliott has been their leading wicket-taker with six scalps, but support from the rest of the attack is crucial. At the MCG, Victoria’s pace-heavy attack featuring Scott Boland and Will Sutherland could be more effective. If their bowlers maintain discipline and the batting unit fires collectively, Victoria have the tools to challenge any side.
Queensland Team Preview
Queensland are enjoying a strong season and sit second on the points table with three wins from five matches. Their success has largely been built on consistent top-order batting and a well-rounded bowling attack. Marnus Labuschagne has been exceptional, topping the run charts for Queensland with 338 runs, including a commanding century in the previous match. He is well supported by Jack Clayton, Usman Khawaja, and Matthew Renshaw, forming a reliable batting core.
Queensland’s bowling has also been impressive, with Mitchell Swepson leading the wicket tally with eight wickets. Michael Neser and Mark Steketee provide control and breakthroughs with the new ball, while Swepson operates effectively in the middle overs. Their emphatic 96-run win over New South Wales highlighted their ability to dominate games when on top. However, playing away at the MCG can be challenging, and adapting quickly to conditions will be key. Queensland will rely on their experienced campaigners to handle pressure and continue their winning momentum.
Team Squads
Queensland:
Xavier Bartlett, Max Bryant, Hugo Burdon, Jack Clayton, Lachlan Hearne, Zanden Jeh, Hayden Kerr, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Angus Lovell, Michael Neser, Jimmy Peirson, Matthew Renshaw, Gurinder Sandhu, Jack Sinfield, Mark Steketee, Tom Straker, Mitchell Swepson, Callum Vidler, Tom Whitney, Jack Wildermuth
Victoria:
Liam Blackford, Scott Boland, Dylan Brasher, Ashley Chandrasinghe, Xavier Crone, Harry Dixon, Sam Elliott, Peter Handscomb, Sam Harper, Marcus Harris, Campbell Kellaway, Jai Lemire, Blake Macdonald, Glenn Maxwell, Cam McClure, David Moody, Todd Murphy, Fergus O’Neill, Mitch Perry, Tom Rogers, Matt Short, Will Sutherland, Doug Warren
Probable Playing XI
| Victoria | Queensland |
|---|---|
| Marcus Harris | Usman Khawaja |
| Matt Short | Matthew Renshaw |
| Peter Handscomb | Marnus Labuschagne |
| Sam Harper (wk) | Jack Clayton |
| Glenn Maxwell | Jimmy Peirson (wk) |
| Tom Rogers | Michael Neser |
| Will Sutherland | Jack Wildermuth |
| Sam Elliott | Mark Steketee |
| Scott Boland | Mitchell Swepson |
| Todd Murphy | Xavier Bartlett |
| Fergus O’Neill | Gurinder Sandhu |
Victoria vs Queensland Today’s Fantasy Prediction – 3rd February
| Role | Players |
|---|---|
| WK | Sam Harper |
| Batters | Marnus Labuschagne, Peter Handscomb, Marcus Harris |
| All-rounders | Glenn Maxwell, Matt Short, Michael Neser |
| Bowlers | Scott Boland, Sam Elliott, Mitchell Swepson, Mark Steketee |
Fantasy Analysis:
This fantasy combination balances form and venue suitability. Labuschagne is a must-pick due to his consistency, while Maxwell and Short provide dual value with bat and ball. Boland and Elliott are strong choices at the MCG, where pace and bounce come into play. Swepson adds wicket-taking potential in the middle overs.
Captain choices: Glenn Maxwell, Marnus Labuschagne
Vice-captain choices: Matt Short, Michael Neser
Players to avoid: Max Bryant (inconsistent form), Zanden Jeh (limited impact so far)
Also Check: Get The Best Fantasy Prediction From Cricket Experts
Favourite Team Today – Victoria (Why?)
Victoria start as slight favorites primarily due to home advantage at the MCG and a more balanced all-round setup. Despite poor results, their batting depth looks stronger on paper, with experienced players like Maxwell, Handscomb, and Harris capable of winning matches single-handedly. The conditions in Melbourne traditionally assist seamers early, which suits Victoria’s bowling attack featuring Boland and Sutherland. Queensland are in better form, but adapting to MCG conditions is not always straightforward for visiting sides. If Victoria execute their plans well and capitalize on early breakthroughs, they have a clear edge in this encounter.
Pitch Report
The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) surface for this 16th ODI between Victoria and Queensland is expected to be a true, balanced pitch that benefits both batters and bowlers. Early overs will see some movement and swing for the fast bowlers due to the hardness and bounce of the surface, especially under morning light. As the game progresses, the pitch is likely to settle, offering stroke-making opportunities for technically sound batters through the middle overs. Spin won’t be a major factor, but quality spinners may extract enough purchase to build pressure. Overall, this is a batting-friendly wicket where totals around 280+ are competitive.
Weather Report
In Melbourne on match day (3rd February 2026), conditions are forecast to be mostly clear with minimal cloud cover and no significant chance of rain interruptions. Daytime temperatures will sit comfortably in the low to mid-20s Celsius, providing ideal conditions for daytime ODI action. Light winds are expected, which will have negligible impact on play. Humidity levels should remain moderate, ensuring a full 50-over contest without weather disruptions or delays.
Broadcast Details
The Victoria vs Queensland 16th ODI will be broadcast live across multiple platforms. Viewers in India can stream the match on FanCode, while highlights and selected live sessions will be available on YouTube. International broadcast partners are expected to provide coverage in regional territories according to local broadcasting rights agreements.
Toss Prediction
In this fixture at the MCG, the team winning the toss is likely to choose to bowl first and chase. The pitch often plays better under lights and dew can be a factor later in the day. Chasing sides tend to have an advantage once they know the target and conditions, making it a tactical small edge for the team electing to field first.
Probable Batsman & Bowler
Batsmen:
For Victoria, Sam Harper and Peter Handscomb are expected to anchor the innings. Harper’s consistency provides a reliable platform, while Handscomb’s experience and ability to rotate strike will be crucial at the top. Marcus Harris is another key top-order figure capable of producing a big score, especially on a wicket that offers rhythm once set. Queensland’s batting revolves around Marnus Labuschagne, whose current form suggests he’ll be amongst the runs once again. Usman Khawaja and Matthew Renshaw will aim to provide solid starts alongside Labuschagne.
Bowlers:
Victoria will depend on their pace twins — Scott Boland and Will Sutherland — to exploit early movement with the new ball. Sam Elliott’s knack for key breakthroughs makes him vital in the middle overs. For Queensland, Mitchell Swepson’s spin will be important during the mid-innings phase, while Mark Steketee and Michael Neser bring experience and control with the new ball. Both bowling units have wicket-taking potential that could shift the game’s balance.
Match Prediction
Despite Queensland’s better form and higher position on the points table, Victoria are slight favourites in this encounter due to home advantage, familiarity with MCG conditions, and a stronger collective unit that has yet to click fully. If Victoria’s experienced batters fire and their pace attack exploits the early conditions, they can set up a competitive total and control the contest. Therefore, the match prediction leans towards Victoria winning, provided key players deliver under pressure.
Winner: Victoria Will Win
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.
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