Adelaide Strikers Women vs Melbourne Stars Women Prediction – 4th Match, WBBL 2026
The Adelaide Strikers Women vs Melbourne Stars Women prediction for the fourth match of WBBL 2026 centres on a Strikers side beginning its campaign against a Melbourne Stars team that has already made a winning start. The match will be played at Karen Rolton Oval on Saturday, 31 October, with the scheduled start at 3:10 PM local time (10:10 AM IST).
Melbourne Stars arrive with confidence after defeating Hobart Hurricanes by 18 runs in their opening fixture. They posted 192/4, built around Meg Lanning’s 71 from 52 balls and Annabel Sutherland’s 57 from 36. Sutherland then took 3/34, giving her an influential all-round performance and the Player of the Match award.
Adelaide have not yet played a WBBL 2026 match, so their current-season form cannot be compared directly with the Stars. Their recent available T20 results include the 2025 T20 Spring Challenge, where Madeline Penna scored a century against Sydney Thunder, although Adelaide still lost that match by eight wickets. Their campaign also included defeats to ACT Meteors and Melbourne Renegades.
The Stars have a proven top-order combination in Lanning, Amy Jones and Sutherland, while Adelaide can call on Laura Wolvaardt, Tahlia McGrath, Maia Bouchier and Bridget Patterson. The Strikers also have experienced bowling options in Sophie Ecclestone, Megan Schutt and Amanda-Jade Wellington. The central question is whether Adelaide can contain the Stars’ powerful batting unit and make full use of their home conditions.
The match matters early in the league stage: Melbourne are seeking a second consecutive win, while Adelaide will want to open their campaign with two points. The Stars have the stronger immediate form, but the Strikers’ home advantage and bowling depth make this a competitive contest.
Table of Contents
ADSW vs MLSW Match Details
| Match | Details |
|---|---|
| Match | Adelaide Strikers Women vs Melbourne Stars Women, 4th Match |
| Date | Saturday, 31 October 2026 |
| Time | 10:10 AM IST |
| Local Time | 3:10 PM AEDT |
| Venue | Karen Rolton Oval, Adelaide, Australia |
| Tournament | Women’s Big Bash League 2026 (WBBL) |
| Format | T20 |
Adelaide Strikers Women – Recent Available Results
| Date | Opponent | Result | Strikers Score | Opponent Score | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26 Oct 2025 | Sydney Thunder Women | Lost | 165/5 | 166/2 | 8 wickets |
| 24 Oct 2025 | Melbourne Renegades Women | Lost | 128/8 | 130/3 | 7 wickets |
| 23 Oct 2025 | ACT Meteors Women | Lost | 119/4 | 126/8 | 7 runs |
| 21 Oct 2025 | Melbourne Stars Women | Won | 144/3 | 143/5 | 7 wickets |
| 19 Nov 2024 | Perth Scorchers Women | Won | 169/6 | 139/8 | 30 runs |
Melbourne Stars Women – Recent Available Results
| Date | Opponent | Result | Stars Score | Opponent Score | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 29 Oct 2026 | Hobart Hurricanes Women | Won | 192/4 | 174/8 | 18 runs |
| 10 Nov 2025 | Adelaide Strikers Women | No result | 184/5 | 32/1 | Abandoned |
| 27 Oct 2025 | Perth Scorchers Women | Lost | 80 all out | 132/5 | 52 runs |
| 25 Oct 2025 | Brisbane Heat Women | Lost | 91 all out | 154/6 | 63 runs |
| 24 Oct 2025 | Hobart Hurricanes Women | Lost | 130/8 | 131/4 | 6 wickets |
Adelaide Strikers Women Preview
Adelaide Strikers begin their WBBL 2026 campaign at home, which gives them an opportunity to establish momentum in front of their own supporters. Their squad combines international experience with players familiar with Australian domestic conditions. Laura Wolvaardt and Maia Bouchier provide quality at the top, while captain Tahlia McGrath offers flexibility in the batting order and can contribute with the ball.
The batting line-up has several players capable of taking responsibility through different phases. Wolvaardt is suited to building an innings without losing control of the scoring rate, while Bouchier can provide a more aggressive approach. Bridget Patterson adds wicketkeeping and middle-order experience. McGrath and Madeline Penna could be important in the middle overs, particularly if Adelaide lose early wickets.
Penna’s 103 not out from 66 balls against Sydney Thunder in the 2025 T20 Spring Challenge demonstrated her ability to bat deep and accelerate. However, Adelaide lost that match after Thunder chased 166, showing that a strong individual innings does not necessarily guarantee control of the match.
The bowling group is a major strength on paper. Megan Schutt brings new-ball experience and can challenge batters with disciplined seam bowling. Sophie Ecclestone offers left-arm spin and control through the middle overs, while Amanda-Jade Wellington provides another spin option. Tahlia McGrath can also contribute overs, allowing the captain to adjust the attack according to match-ups.
Adelaide’s challenge will be to manage the Stars’ aggressive batting. Lanning and Sutherland have already shown that they can build a substantial partnership, so the Strikers need early wickets rather than allowing the Stars to settle. Their spinners will need to maintain control without becoming predictable, and the seamers must execute their plans at the death.
No specific injury or late withdrawal has been reliably confirmed in the available squad information. Adelaide’s best route to victory is to use their bowling depth to restrict Melbourne below a commanding total, then build a measured chase around their top-order batters.
Melbourne Stars Women Preview
Melbourne Stars enter this match after a productive opening performance against Hobart Hurricanes. Their total of 192/4 showed the depth and scoring potential of the batting unit. Meg Lanning anchored the innings with 71 from 52 balls, while Annabel Sutherland scored 57 from 36. Danielle Gibson added a quick unbeaten 22 from 11 deliveries, giving the Stars a strong finish.
Lanning remains the key figure at the top. Her ability to control the innings and bat deep gives Melbourne a stable foundation, while Amy Jones adds international experience and wicketkeeping quality. Sutherland is particularly important because she can influence the match in both disciplines. Her contribution against Hobart was decisive: she scored quickly and later took three wickets.
The Stars also have useful depth through Danielle Gibson, Kim Garth, Naomi Stalenberg and Rhys McKenna. Gibson’s finishing ability can help the side add runs in the final overs, while Garth provides seam-bowling options. Charlotte Dean and Sophie Day give the team spin choices, with Dean having shown her control in the opening match.
Melbourne’s bowling attack defended 192 against Hobart, with Sutherland taking 3/34, Garth claiming 2/36 and Dean returning an economical 1/13 from four overs. Dean’s spell was especially valuable in restricting the scoring rate through the middle overs.
The main concern is whether the Stars can reproduce that level of batting against a more experienced bowling attack. Adelaide have Schutt, Ecclestone and Wellington, who can test the Stars in different phases. Melbourne should aim to preserve wickets in the powerplay and target the middle overs when the Strikers use spin.
The Stars have the advantage of having already played a match this season, and their top order is coming off a strong performance. If Lanning and Sutherland maintain their form, Melbourne will have a good opportunity to put Adelaide under pressure. Their challenge will be to avoid a middle-order collapse if the Strikers make early breakthroughs.
Team Squad & Team News
Adelaide Strikers Women squad
Laura Wolvaardt, Maia Bouchier, Emma de Broughe, Tahlia McGrath (captain), Bridget Patterson (wicketkeeper), Eleanor Larosa, Madeline Penna, Ellie Johnston, Sophie Ecclestone, Amanda-Jade Wellington, Megan Schutt, Anesu Mushangwe, Darcie Brown, Ella Wilson and Maggie Clark.
Melbourne Stars Women squad
Rhys McKenna, Meg Lanning (captain), Amy Jones (wicketkeeper), Annabel Sutherland, Danielle Gibson, Kim Garth, Naomi Stalenberg, Charlotte Dean, Carly Leeson, Maisy Gibson, Sophie Day, Indigo Noble, Zoe Samuel, Tia Davidge and Georgia Prestwidge. Cricbuzz+1
Team news: Melbourne’s opening-match scorecard confirms that Lanning, Jones, Sutherland, Gibson and Garth featured against Hobart. Adelaide have not yet played in WBBL 2026. No confirmed injury list or late replacement announcement was available at the time of writing.
Probable Playing XI
| Adelaide Strikers Women Probable XI | Melbourne Stars Women Probable XI |
|---|---|
| Laura Wolvaardt | Rhys McKenna |
| Maia Bouchier | Meg Lanning (c) |
| Bridget Patterson (wk) | Amy Jones (wk) |
| Tahlia McGrath (c) | Annabel Sutherland |
| Madeline Penna | Danielle Gibson |
| Emma de Broughe | Kim Garth |
| Sophie Ecclestone | Naomi Stalenberg |
| Amanda-Jade Wellington | Charlotte Dean |
| Megan Schutt | Sophie Day |
| Darcie Brown | Carly Leeson |
| Maggie Clark | Maisy Gibson |
Probable XIs are subject to official team announcements and the toss.
Dream11 / Fantasy Prediction
| Role | Fantasy Picks |
|---|---|
| Wicketkeepers | Amy Jones, Bridget Patterson |
| Batters | Meg Lanning, Laura Wolvaardt, Maia Bouchier, Madeline Penna |
| All-rounders | Annabel Sutherland, Tahlia McGrath, Danielle Gibson, Amanda-Jade Wellington |
| Bowlers | Sophie Ecclestone, Megan Schutt, Charlotte Dean, Kim Garth |
Captain Options
- Annabel Sutherland – Contributes with both bat and ball and was outstanding in the opening match.
- Meg Lanning – Scored 71 in the previous game and is a strong top-order option.
Vice-Captain Options
- Tahlia McGrath – Can provide points through batting and bowling.
- Sophie Ecclestone – A high-involvement spin option who can take wickets and control the middle overs.
Fantasy suggestions are for informational purposes only and are not guaranteed to produce points or returns.
Head-to-Head – Adelaide Strikers Women vs Melbourne Stars Women
| Statistic | Result |
|---|---|
| Total T20 Matches | 15 |
| Adelaide Strikers Women Wins | 6 |
| Melbourne Stars Women Wins | 8 |
| No Result | 1 |
| Tied | 0 |
Last 5 Head-to-Head Matches
| Date | Winner | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 10 Nov 2025 | No Result | Match abandoned |
| 24 Oct 2023 | Adelaide Strikers Women | Won by 4 wickets |
| 21 Oct 2023 | Adelaide Strikers Women | Won by 148 runs |
| 5 Nov 2022 | Adelaide Strikers Women | Won by 5 wickets |
| 2 Nov 2022 | Melbourne Stars Women | Won by 22 runs |
Weather Report – Adelaide
The Bureau of Meteorology forecast for Saturday, 31 October, indicates a high chance of showers, most likely in the morning, followed by mostly sunny conditions in the afternoon. The forecast gives a 60% chance of rain for the Adelaide area, with possible rainfall of 0–1 mm. Winds are forecast to shift from northerly to west-southwesterly at around 25–35 km/h during the morning.
| Weather Factor | Forecast |
|---|---|
| Temperature | Around 15–23°C |
| Humidity | Exact match-time figure not verified |
| Rain Chance | 60% for Adelaide area; showers most likely in the morning |
| Expected Rainfall | 0–1 mm |
| Wind | 25–35 km/h, shifting west-southwesterly |
| Conditions | Showers possible early; mostly sunny afternoon |
Broadcast Details
For viewers in India, WBBL 2026 coverage is listed on the Star Sports Network, with online streaming on FanCode. The match is scheduled to start at 10:10 AM IST on 31 October 2026.
Toss Prediction & Strategy
If Adelaide Strikers Women Win the Toss
Adelaide could consider batting first and using Wolvaardt and Bouchier to establish a platform. A competitive total would allow their bowling attack, particularly Ecclestone, Wellington and Schutt, to put pressure on the Stars. If the surface looks damp or affected by overnight rain, however, the captain may prefer to assess conditions before choosing.
If Melbourne Stars Women Win the Toss
Melbourne may also be comfortable batting first after scoring 192/4 in their opening game. Their top order has shown the ability to build a substantial total, and setting a target would allow Sutherland and the bowling unit to attack. If the pitch appears fresh and the conditions favour seam movement, bowling first could also be considered.
Toss Prediction
Predicted toss winner: Adelaide Strikers Women
This is a speculative prediction, not a statistical certainty. The toss itself should not be treated as a decisive factor given the relatively balanced batting-first and chasing record at the venue.
Score Prediction
| Batting-First Scenario | Projected Score |
|---|---|
| Adelaide Strikers Women batting first | 145–165 |
| Melbourne Stars Women batting first | 155–175 |
Winning Chances
| Team | Winning Probability |
|---|---|
| Adelaide Strikers Women | 46% |
| Melbourne Stars Women | 54% |
Why the Win Percentage?
| Factor | Adelaide Strikers Women | Melbourne Stars Women | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Batting | Strong international top order | Lanning and Sutherland in current form | Melbourne Stars |
| Bowling | Schutt, Ecclestone and Wellington | Sutherland, Garth and Dean | Adelaide Strikers |
| All-round depth | McGrath, Wellington, Ecclestone | Sutherland, Gibson, Garth | Even |
| Recent form | No WBBL match played yet | Won opening match | Melbourne Stars |
| Venue suitability | Playing at home | Away fixture | Adelaide Strikers |
| Head-to-head | Won three of last four completed meetings | Overall historical lead | Melbourne Stars overall |
| Current batting momentum | Not yet tested this season | 192/4 in opening match | Melbourne Stars |
The main reasons for Melbourne’s 54% estimate are:
- Stronger immediate form: Melbourne have already played and won their opening match, while Adelaide are beginning their campaign.
- Top-order confidence: Lanning’s 71 and Sutherland’s 57 against Hobart indicate that the Stars’ main batting options are in good touch.
- All-round impact: Sutherland’s three wickets as well as her half-century give Melbourne a player who can influence both innings.
- Adelaide’s bowling quality: Schutt, Ecclestone and Wellington provide enough variety to prevent the Stars from being overwhelming favourites.
- Home advantage: Adelaide’s familiarity with Karen Rolton Oval and the historical head-to-head trend keep the probability difference narrow.
Key Player Matchups
| Matchup | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Megan Schutt vs Meg Lanning | Schutt’s new-ball discipline will be tested against Lanning’s ability to build an innings and control the scoring rate. An early wicket could disrupt Melbourne’s plans. |
| Sophie Ecclestone vs Annabel Sutherland | Ecclestone’s left-arm spin could challenge Sutherland’s attacking approach through the middle overs. Winning this contest may limit Melbourne’s ability to accelerate. |
| Annabel Sutherland vs Tahlia McGrath | Sutherland’s all-round contribution makes her a key threat. McGrath’s batting and possible bowling role give Adelaide an important counter, particularly if she can prevent Sutherland from dictating the middle overs. |
MLSW vs ADSW Match Prediction
Melbourne Stars Women are marginal favourites to defeat Adelaide Strikers Women in the fourth match of WBBL 2026, with an estimated 54% winning chance. Their opening victory, led by Meg Lanning and Annabel Sutherland, gives them a slight momentum advantage. However, Adelaide’s home conditions and experienced bowling attack make this far from a one-sided contest. The key tactical factor will be whether Schutt and Ecclestone can take early wickets and prevent the Stars from building another high total.
Predicted winner: Melbourne Stars Women
What Could Prove Us Wrong?
- Early wickets for Adelaide: If Schutt and Brown remove Lanning and Sutherland cheaply, Melbourne may struggle to reproduce their opening-match total.
- Wolvaardt or Bouchier produces a strong start: A productive powerplay could give Adelaide control of the chase or establish a competitive total.
- Ecclestone and Wellington dominate the middle overs: If Adelaide’s spinners restrict scoring and take wickets, the Stars’ batting depth will be tested.
- Weather interrupts the match: Showers are forecast in the morning. A delayed start or shortened game could change the value of batting first and affect the projected scores.
- Sutherland has a quieter game: Melbourne’s opening win was strongly influenced by her contributions with both bat and ball. If Adelaide limit her impact, the balance could shift towards the home side.
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