Western Australia vs South Australia Prediction, 1st ODI, One-Day Cup 2026-27
Western Australia vs South Australia prediction for the opening match of the 2026-27 Australia Domestic One-Day Cup will be closely watched as both sides begin their campaign at the WACA Ground in Perth on September 18. The match also marks the start of a new One-Day Cup season in which each state will play seven round-robin matches, with the top two teams advancing to the February 14 final.
Western Australia finished fourth in the 2025-26 competition with four wins from seven matches, narrowly missing the final. South Australia, meanwhile, finished fifth after winning two of their seven matches, although their recent history includes a One-Day Cup title and strong domestic performances in other formats.
The previous One-Day Cup meeting between these teams in September 2025 went Western Australia’s way. WA scored 298/9 at Karen Rolton Oval before bowling South Australia out for 232, with Joel Paris taking five wickets and Sam Fanning making 75.
There are also significant squad changes entering the new season. Western Australia will be without several players away on Australia and Australia A duties, including Cooper Connolly, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, Mitch Marsh, Corey Rocchiccioli and Jhye Richardson. Lance Morris is also unavailable because of a side strain.
South Australia have also lost several experienced players to representative duties, creating opportunities for newer players. Their squad includes returning opener Jake Weatherald, former NSW wicketkeeper Matthew Gilkes and a number of emerging South Australian players.
With both teams beginning a new campaign and several regulars unavailable, the opening powerplay, bowling depth and ability to adapt to WACA conditions could determine which side starts the season with a victory.
Table of Contents
Match Details
| Match | Date | Time | Venue | Tournament |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Western Australia vs South Australia – 1st ODI | 18 September 2026 | 11:30 AM IST | WACA Ground, Perth | Australia Domestic One-Day Cup 2026-27 |
Western Australia – Last 5 ODI Matches
| Date | Opponent | Result | Score | Opponent Score | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21 Feb 2026 | Victoria | Won | 233/2 | 230/9 | Won by 8 wickets |
| 10 Feb 2026 | Tasmania | Won | 319/9 | 318 | Won by 1 wicket |
| 1 Dec 2025 | Victoria | Won | 289/3 | 285 | Won by 7 wickets |
| 20 Oct 2025 | Tasmania | Lost | 248/9 | 252/6 | Lost by 4 wickets, DLS |
| 9 Oct 2025 | New South Wales | Lost | 244 | 331 | Lost by 87 runs |
These results come from the 2025-26 One-Day Cup schedule.
WA therefore finished their previous campaign with three wins in their last five matches. Their strongest performances came with the bat, including 319/9 against Tasmania and 289/3 while chasing Victoria’s 285.
South Australia – Last 5 ODI Matches
| Date | Opponent | Result | Score | Opponent Score | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21 Feb 2026 | Queensland | Lost | 135 | 260 | Lost by 125 runs |
| 9 Feb 2026 | New South Wales | Lost | 242/7 | 246/3 | Lost by 7 wickets |
| 14 Nov 2025 | Tasmania | Lost | 195 | 196/6 | Lost by 4 wickets |
| 20 Oct 2025 | Queensland | Won | 122/1 | 128 | Won by 9 wickets, DLS |
| 9 Oct 2025 | Victoria | Won | 273/8 | 194 | Won by 79 runs |
South Australia ended their previous campaign with two wins and three defeats in their last five matches. Their 273/8 against Victoria was their strongest batting performance in this period, while the 135 against Queensland highlighted the risk of a major batting collapse.
Recent Form Comparison
Western Australia have the stronger recent One-Day Cup record. They won three of their last five matches, including two successful chases and a one-wicket win over Tasmania after the Tigers had posted 318.
South Australia lost their final three matches of the previous campaign. However, those results came several months ago, and the new season brings substantially different squads.
The opening game therefore provides a reset rather than simply an extension of last season’s form. Both teams have new personnel, while WA have also changed head coach, with Beau Casson taking charge.
Western Australia Preview
Western Australia enter the new One-Day Cup season after finishing fourth in 2025-26. They collected four wins from seven matches but missed the final, making a stronger start particularly important this season.
The side will be led again by Ashton Turner, while Joel Curtis has been recognised as the state’s One-Day Cup Player of the Year after an outstanding 2025-26 campaign. Curtis is also expected to provide wicketkeeping options.
Curtis was one of the most productive batters in the previous competition, finishing with 431 runs. His consistency at the top of the order gives WA a valuable combination of stability and strokeplay.
Sam Fanning is another important batting option. He scored 75 against South Australia in the September 2025 meeting, while Cameron Bancroft and Hilton Cartwright also made half-centuries in that 298/9 total.
The challenge for WA is that several high-profile players are unavailable. Cooper Connolly, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, Mitch Marsh, Corey Rocchiccioli and Jhye Richardson are away on Australia or Australia A duties. Lance Morris is also unavailable with a side strain.
That makes this a significant opportunity for players such as Jayden Goodwin, Will Malajczuk and the younger pace group. Mahli Beardman, Albert Esterhuysen and Jordan Quiggin are among the fast-bowling options, while Brody Couch and Liam Haskett provide additional pace depth.
Ashton Agar is the main specialist spin option in the announced squad. His role could become important if the surface offers grip or if South Australia’s middle order attempts to accelerate through the central overs.
Powerplay
WA’s top order needs to provide a stable start without allowing South Australia’s new-ball attack to create an early collapse. Curtis, Fanning and Bancroft have the experience to build the innings.
Middle Overs
The absence of several established international players increases the importance of the middle-order partnership between experienced players and emerging talent. Strike rotation will be important if the pitch becomes slower.
Death Overs
Turner, Cartwright and the lower middle order will need to convert a solid platform into a competitive total. With several first-choice all-rounders absent, WA may have less depth than last season.
The key requirement is therefore simple: avoid losing multiple wickets in clusters and make the most of the experienced core.
South Australia Preview
South Australia begin their title campaign after a difficult 2025-26 One-Day Cup season in which they finished fifth with two wins from seven matches. However, their squad has undergone significant changes, and the team remains ambitious after winning the competition two seasons ago.
Head coach Ryan Harris has emphasised the team’s desire to compete for trophies again, while the offseason recruitment has brought Jake Weatherald back to South Australia after his stint in Tasmania. Matthew Gilkes has also moved from New South Wales, adding wicketkeeping and top-order experience.
The squad selected for the opening match includes Weatherald, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Matthew Gilkes, Mackenzie Harvey, Henry Hunt, Ben Manenti, Nathan McAndrew, Lloyd Pope, Wes Agar, Jordan Buckingham, Henry Thornton, Douwtjie Hoogenboezem and Jerrssis Wadia.
Mackenzie Harvey was one of South Australia’s leading run-scorers in the previous One-Day Cup, finishing with 322 runs. His ability to build an innings while maintaining a healthy scoring rate will be important at the top of the order.
Jake Fraser-McGurk adds a very different batting option. His aggressive approach can change the tempo quickly, but against a new-ball attack with genuine pace he will need to balance aggression with wicket preservation.
The bowling attack contains Wes Agar, Jordan Buckingham and Henry Thornton, while Lloyd Pope provides a specialist spin option. Nathan McAndrew offers useful all-round depth.
South Australia’s biggest issue could be the absence of several established players because of international and Australia A commitments. The opening game is consequently an opportunity for younger players to establish themselves.
Powerplay
South Australia should aim to use Fraser-McGurk’s attacking ability without exposing the middle order too early. Weatherald and Hunt can provide greater stability if an early wicket falls.
Middle Overs
Ben Manenti and Lloyd Pope could become important in controlling the central phase. With WA possessing several right- and left-handed batting combinations, spin matchups could influence the scoring rate.
Death Overs
Nathan McAndrew and the lower order need to provide enough acceleration to turn a 250-type platform into something closer to 280 or above.
With the ball, South Australia’s objective should be to attack WA’s top order before the home side’s experienced middle order can take control.
Team Squad & Team News
Western Australia Squad
- Ashton Turner (captain)
- Ashton Agar
- Cameron Bancroft
- Mahli Beardman
- Hilton Cartwright
- Brody Couch
- Joel Curtis
- Kieran Elliott
- Albert Esterhuysen
- Sam Fanning
- Jayden Goodwin
- Liam Haskett
- Will Malajczuk
- Jordan Quiggin
WA have named the same 14-player squad for their opening two One-Day Cup matches.
Unavailable: Cooper Connolly, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, Mitch Marsh, Corey Rocchiccioli and Jhye Richardson are away on Australia/Australia A duties. Lance Morris is unavailable with a side strain.
South Australia Squad
- Wes Agar
- Jordan Buckingham
- Jake Fraser-McGurk
- Matthew Gilkes
- Mackenzie Harvey
- Douwtjie Hoogenboezem
- Henry Hunt
- Ben Manenti
- Nathan McAndrew
- Lloyd Pope
- Henry Thornton
- Jerrssis Wadia
- Jake Weatherald
This is the squad officially announced by South Australia for the opening One-Day Cup match.
South Australia have confirmed that several players are away on international or Australia A duties, creating opportunities for newer members of the squad.
Probable Playing XI
| Western Australia Probable XI | South Australia Probable XI |
|---|---|
| Cameron Bancroft (wk) | Jake Weatherald |
| Sam Fanning | Jake Fraser-McGurk |
| Joel Curtis | Henry Hunt |
| Ashton Turner (c) | Mackenzie Harvey |
| Hilton Cartwright | Matthew Gilkes (wk) |
| Jayden Goodwin | Nathan McAndrew |
| Will Malajczuk | Ben Manenti (c) |
| Ashton Agar | Jerrssis Wadia |
| Brody Couch | Lloyd Pope |
| Mahli Beardman | Wes Agar |
| Albert Esterhuysen | Henry Thornton |
Probable XIs are subject to official team announcements and the toss.
South Australia vs Western Australia Fantasy / Dream11 Prediction 1st ODI
| Role | Fantasy Picks |
|---|---|
| Wicketkeepers | Joel Curtis, Matthew Gilkes |
| Batters | Cameron Bancroft, Sam Fanning, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Mackenzie Harvey |
| All-rounders | Ashton Turner, Hilton Cartwright, Nathan McAndrew |
| Bowlers | Wes Agar, Ashton Agar, Lloyd Pope |
Captain Options
- Joel Curtis — Finished the previous One-Day Cup season with 431 runs and was WA’s One-Day Cup Player of the Year.
- Mackenzie Harvey — Scored 322 runs in the previous competition and is one of South Australia’s established batting options.
Vice-Captain Options
- Ashton Turner — Experienced captain who can influence the game with the bat.
- Nathan McAndrew — Provides potential involvement with both bat and ball.
Players to Avoid
- Uncertain lower-order selections — Players whose batting position is unclear may have limited opportunities.
- Unconfirmed young quicks — Fantasy selection should be checked against the official XI before the match.
Fantasy suggestions are for informational purposes only and are not guaranteed to produce points or returns.
Head-to-Head – Last 5 ODI Meetings
| Statistic | Result |
|---|---|
| Recent H2H matches listed | 5 |
| Western Australia Wins | 3 |
| South Australia Wins | 2 |
| Ties | 0 |
| No Results | 0 |
Last 5 Head-to-Head ODIs
| Date | Venue | Winner | Result/Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24 Sep 2025 | Karen Rolton Oval | Western Australia | Won by 66 runs |
| 13 Feb 2025 | WACA Ground | South Australia | Won by 44 runs |
| 24 Sep 2024 | Karen Rolton Oval | South Australia | Won by 2 runs |
| 20 Nov 2023 | Karen Rolton Oval | Western Australia | Won by 4 wickets |
| 26 Sep 2023 | Karen Rolton Oval | Western Australia | Won by 22 runs |
The overall List A record is also favourable to WA, with Wisden listing 41 Western Australian wins against 27 for South Australia, plus one tie and no result in the available head-to-head record.
The most recent meeting is particularly relevant because WA won by 66 runs after posting 298/9. Joel Paris took five wickets, while Sam Fanning, Cameron Bancroft and Hilton Cartwright all made important contributions.
Also Check: South Australia vs Western Australia Head to Head in List A
Pitch Report
The WACA surface traditionally offers more pace and bounce than many Australian domestic grounds. That can make the first few overs particularly important for opening batters, especially against bowlers capable of extracting seam movement.
The new ball should come onto the bat reasonably well when the surface is hard, but batters may need to adjust to the bounce rather than attempting horizontal-bat shots too early.
For the bowling sides, the powerplay represents the best opportunity to take wickets. Once the ball becomes older, batting teams should be able to use the pace of the surface for controlled strokeplay.
The middle overs could become a contest between strike rotation and spin. Ashton Agar and Lloyd Pope are the specialist spin options in the two squads, while the seamers can use cutters if the pitch begins to lose some pace.
The weather forecast is another variable. Perth is forecast to have a high chance of showers on Friday, particularly in the afternoon and evening, although another forecast model shows substantially lower precipitation probabilities around the main match hours.
If the surface is affected by rain, the pitch could become slower and the value of accurate seam bowling and spin could increase.
Weather Report
| Weather Factor | Forecast |
|---|---|
| Temperature | Around 26°C maximum |
| Humidity | Variable through the day |
| Rain Chance | High according to BOM |
| Wind | Around 25–35 km/h in the early afternoon |
| Conditions | Partly cloudy with showers possible |
The Bureau of Meteorology forecast for Perth on Friday, September 18, currently gives a 90% chance of rain, with 1–5 mm of possible rainfall. It expects showers to be most likely in the afternoon and evening, with winds strengthening to 25–35 km/h in the early afternoon.
Another forecast model is considerably more optimistic around the main match window, showing low precipitation probabilities through the afternoon.
DLS/Interruption Risk: Moderate to High
Because the match begins at 2:00 PM local time and BOM currently forecasts a high chance of afternoon showers, interruptions remain an important consideration. If rain reduces the number of overs, DLS could materially change the target and tactical balance.
Broadcast Details
The match begins at 2:00 PM AWST / 11:30 AM IST on September 18.
WA Cricket confirms live coverage on Kayo Sports and cricket.com.au.
South Australia also lists Kayo Sports and cricket.com.au for the fixture.
For Indian viewers, Cricket Australia’s 2025-26 One-Day Cup guide listed FanCode as the India streaming platform; current 2026-27 coverage should be checked against the latest broadcaster listing before publication.
SAUS vs WAUS Toss Prediction & Strategy
If Western Australia wins the toss
WA could consider batting first if the pitch looks dry and firm. The historical WACA ODI numbers show a higher average first-innings score than second innings, and a substantial total would allow WA’s pace attack to use the conditions later.
However, if the rain forecast becomes more threatening, bowling first could become attractive because the captain would know the revised conditions and target before batting.
If South Australia wins the toss
South Australia should also consider batting first if conditions appear stable. Their batting group contains several aggressive players, and putting a substantial total on the board could create pressure on a WA batting lineup missing several established internationals.
If showers are expected early, bowling first could instead allow South Australia to exploit movement before a possible interruption.
Toss Prediction
Predicted toss winner: Western Australia
The toss itself is inherently unpredictable. The selection is based only on the tactical preference of the home side and the potential value of knowing how the weather behaves before deciding on the batting approach.
ODI Score Prediction
| Scenario | Projected Score |
|---|---|
| Western Australia batting first | 255–275 |
| South Australia batting first | 245–265 |
Projected Competitive Score
A score around 260–275 should be competitive if the match receives the full 50 overs.
The WACA’s historical ODI average first-innings score is 222, but domestic List A matches can produce substantially higher totals, particularly when established batters adapt to the pace of the surface. The recent WA-South Australia meeting produced 298/9, while WA scored 319/9 against Tasmania at the WACA last season.
If Chasing
A chase around 260 should remain achievable if the pitch stays consistent. However, rain could change the equation substantially through DLS, meaning a normal 50-over target should not be treated as fixed if interruptions occur.
Winning Chances
| Outcome | Probability |
|---|---|
| Western Australia Win | 47% |
| South Australia Win | 43% |
| No Result | 10% |
Why the Win Percentage?
| Factor | Western Australia | South Australia | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top-order batting | Curtis, Bancroft, Fanning | Weatherald, Fraser-McGurk, Hunt | Even |
| Middle-order batting | Turner, Cartwright, Goodwin | Harvey, Gilkes, McAndrew | Even |
| Powerplay batting | Experienced core | More aggressive options | Even |
| New-ball bowling | Beardman, Couch, Esterhuysen | Agar, Buckingham, Thornton | Even |
| Spin bowling | Ashton Agar | Lloyd Pope | Even |
| All-round depth | Turner, Cartwright, Malajczuk | McAndrew, Manenti, Wadia | WA |
| Recent form | 3 wins in last 5 | 2 wins in last 5 | WA |
| Venue familiarity | Strong home experience | Good domestic experience | WA |
| H2H | Won latest meeting | Won two of previous five | WA |
| Squad availability | Several major absences | Several major absences | Even |
| Weather | Home knowledge of conditions | Adaptation required | Even |
The most important advantage for WA is recent One-Day Cup consistency. They won three of their final five matches last season and finished fourth with four victories from seven games.
The second factor is the most recent H2H result. WA defeated South Australia by 66 runs in September 2025, with Joel Paris taking five wickets.
However, South Australia’s squad has been strengthened by the return of Jake Weatherald and the addition of Matthew Gilkes, while their new-season group includes several players who were not part of that previous matchup.
The biggest balancing factor is availability. WA are missing six players through Australia/Australia A commitments and Lance Morris through injury, while South Australia also have players away on representative duty.
Key ODI Player Matchups
| Matchup | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Sam Fanning vs Wes Agar | Fanning scored 75 against South Australia in the most recent One-Day Cup meeting. Agar will be important in preventing WA from establishing an early platform. |
| Jake Fraser-McGurk vs Mahli Beardman | Fraser-McGurk’s attacking approach against young pace could define the first powerplay. Beardman’s ability to use bounce and pace will be tested immediately. |
| Mackenzie Harvey vs Ashton Agar | Harvey was South Australia’s leading run-scorer in the previous One-Day Cup. Agar’s spin could be important if Harvey reaches the middle overs. |
Key Batting & Bowling Targets
Expected Top Batter
Joel Curtis — Curtis scored 431 runs in the previous One-Day Cup and was named WA’s One-Day Cup Player of the Year. His ability to combine accumulation with acceleration makes him a central part of WA’s batting plan.
Expected Top Bowler
Wes Agar — Agar is one of South Australia’s experienced pace options and could benefit if the WACA surface provides early movement.
Potential X-Factor
Jake Fraser-McGurk — His aggressive batting can change the tempo of an innings rapidly. If he survives the initial movement, South Australia could gain a significant powerplay advantage.
WAUS vs SAUS Match Prediction
Predicted winner: Western Australia
Western Australia have a narrow edge because of their stronger recent One-Day Cup record, home conditions and their 66-run victory over South Australia in the previous One-Day Cup meeting.
However, this is not a wide gap. South Australia have refreshed their squad with players such as Jake Weatherald and Matthew Gilkes, while WA are missing several established players due to international commitments.
The biggest tactical battle should come in the opening 10 overs. If WA’s quicks can contain Fraser-McGurk and Weatherald, the home side’s experience may become more influential. If South Australia’s top order gets through the powerplay, the prediction becomes considerably less secure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Western Australia vs South Australia prediction?
Western Australia have a narrow analytical edge in the opening One-Day Cup match, with a projected 47% chance of winning compared with 43% for South Australia. A further 10% is assigned to a No Result outcome because of the current rain forecast. The prediction is therefore relatively close rather than a strong one-sided call.
When and where will Western Australia vs South Australia be played?
The match will be played at the WACA Ground in Perth on Friday, September 18, 2026. The scheduled start is 2:00 PM local time, which is 11:30 AM IST. It is the opening match of the 2026-27 Australia Domestic One-Day Cup.
Who are the key players to watch in Western Australia vs South Australia?
Joel Curtis, Cameron Bancroft and Sam Fanning are important batting options for Western Australia, while Jake Fraser-McGurk, Jake Weatherald and Mackenzie Harvey are key players for South Australia. With several regular players unavailable, the performance of these players could have an especially large influence on the match.
What is the expected score in Western Australia vs South Australia?
If the match receives the full 50 overs, Western Australia are projected to score around 255–275 if batting first, while South Australia are projected around 245–265. A score around 260–275 should be competitive, although rain or a shortened match could substantially change the scoring equation.
Who are the best fantasy picks for Western Australia vs South Australia?
Joel Curtis and Mackenzie Harvey are among the safer batting options based on their previous One-Day Cup output. Ashton Turner and Nathan McAndrew can provide value because of their potential involvement in multiple departments, while Wes Agar and Ashton Agar offer specialist bowling options.
Who could win the toss in Western Australia vs South Australia?
The toss prediction is Western Australia. This is only a prediction because the toss itself is inherently unpredictable. If WA win it, the decision to bat or bowl should depend heavily on the latest pitch and weather assessment.
Is rain a threat for Western Australia vs South Australia?
Yes. The Bureau of Meteorology currently forecasts a 90% chance of rain for Perth on September 18, with showers most likely in the afternoon and evening. The forecast also indicates strengthening winds. Another forecast model is considerably drier around the afternoon match window, so the exact interruption risk remains uncertain.
Where can I watch Western Australia vs South Australia?
WA Cricket confirms live coverage on Kayo Sports and cricket.com.au. South Australia’s official preview also lists Kayo Sports and cricket.com.au for the match.
Stay updated with all the cricketing action, follow Cricketwebs on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
Legal Disclaimer: All content is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Cricketwebs does not promote betting or gambling.
