New South Wales vs Queensland Prediction: Who Will Win NSW vs QLD 8th Test Sheffield Shield on 28th October 2025?

The New South Wales vs Queensland prediction for the 8th Test match of the 2025-26 Sheffield Shield season points to a fascinating encounter between two evenly matched sides at The Gabba, Brisbane, on Tuesday, 28th October 2025. With Queensland riding high on confidence after a strong start and New South Wales looking to bounce back after a mixed campaign, this fixture holds great importance in shaping early-season momentum.

Queensland have collected 12 points from two games, showing balance in both batting and bowling. Their top order, led by Marnus Labuschagne and Usman Khawaja, has consistently piled up big runs, while their pace attack has extracted maximum value from helpful conditions. On the other hand, New South Wales possess one of the most potent bowling lineups in domestic cricket, featuring Liam Hatcher and Nathan Lyon, but their batting has faltered under pressure.

Playing at The Gabba adds another dimension — its pace and bounce traditionally favor fast bowlers, meaning early breakthroughs could dictate the match. With NSW aiming for redemption and Queensland seeking to solidify their top position, this New South Wales vs Queensland match prediction suggests a fierce contest that will test both sides’ resolve and adaptability.

Match Details

New South Wales Team Preview

New South Wales enter this contest with mixed form — one win and one loss — but their performance graph suggests promise. Their strength lies in their disciplined bowling attack and the presence of seasoned campaigners like Steve Smith and Nathan Lyon. However, batting consistency remains a challenge as they have yet to cross 250 in any innings this season.

Batting Overview:
Young talents William Salzmann and Sam Konstas have shown potential at the top, often providing decent starts but failing to capitalize. Steve Smith, leading from the front, remains the anchor of the batting unit, while Kurtis Patterson adds stability in the middle order. The lower order’s contribution — particularly from Josh Hazlewood and Jake Scott — will be crucial on Gabba’s bowler-friendly surface.

Bowling Overview:
New South Wales’ bowling is among the most lethal in the competition. Liam Hatcher has been the standout performer, bagging 14 wickets in two games at an average of just over 13. His pace and movement have troubled every batting lineup he’s faced. Supporting him are Ryan Hadley and Hazlewood, both capable of exploiting The Gabba’s bounce. Nathan Lyon and Tanveer Sangha form a formidable spin duo, ideal for fourth-innings scenarios.

Key Players: Steve Smith, Liam Hatcher, Nathan Lyon, Sam Konstas

Predicted NSW Playing XI:
William Salzmann, Sam Konstas, Steve Smith (c), Kurtis Patterson, Jake Scott, Josh Hazlewood, Ryan Hadley, Liam Hatcher, Tanveer Sangha, Nathan Lyon, Blake Nikitaras

Queensland Team Preview

Queensland have started their 2025-26 Sheffield Shield campaign impressively, collecting 12 points from two matches. Their batting lineup has been in scintillating form, crossing 600+ in one innings already this season. Their balance across departments has made them early contenders for the Shield crown.

Batting Overview:
Marnus Labuschagne has been the heart of the Queensland batting order, averaging above 100 and scoring big hundreds. Usman Khawaja continues to provide experience and calm at the top, while Jack Sinfield and Matthew Renshaw have added solidity in the middle order. Max Bryant’s attacking flair ensures momentum through the innings.

Bowling Overview:
Queensland’s bowling has been well-rounded, spearheaded by Michael Neser, who has claimed 11 wickets in just two matches. Mitchell Swepson’s leg-spin offers a wicket-taking option on longer spells, while Mark Steketee and Gurinder Sandhu bring pace and accuracy to capitalize on The Gabba’s bounce.

The team’s ability to switch gears based on the situation — batting long when required or attacking with pace — gives them a tactical edge. However, their challenge will be countering NSW’s fiery seamers under conditions that will aid movement.

Key Players: Marnus Labuschagne, Usman Khawaja, Michael Neser, Mitchell Swepson

Predicted QLD Playing XI:
Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne (c), Jack Sinfield, Matthew Renshaw, Max Bryant, Michael Neser, Gurinder Sandhu, Mark Steketee, Mitchell Swepson, Tom Straker, Zanden Jeh

Dream11 Prediction for Today New South Wales vs Queensland 8th Test

Captain: Marnus Labuschagne
Vice-Captain: Steve Smith
Players to Avoid: Tom Straker (QLD), Jake Scott (NSW) – inconsistent and low fantasy output so far

Also Check: Get The Best Dream11 Prediction From Cricket Experts

Favourite Team in Today’s Match

New South Wales enter as the favorites for this clash. Despite Queensland’s early momentum, NSW’s bowling unit gives them a crucial edge at The Gabba. With Liam Hatcher in exceptional form, supported by Hazlewood and Lyon, they possess the firepower to dismantle any batting lineup. Their batting may have struggled early, but the experience of Steve Smith and the emerging confidence of youngsters like Salzmann could turn things around.

Queensland’s strength lies in their batting depth, but their bowlers may find it tough against NSW’s disciplined approach. If the pitch retains its bounce and swing, the NSW seamers can dominate proceedings. Thus, NSW’s superior bowling depth and resilience make them the likely winners in this encounter.

New South Wales Test History

Played: 922 | Won: 386 | Lost: 265 | Draw: 270 | Tied: 1

Queensland Test History

Played: 809 | Won: 256 | Lost: 279 | Draw: 274

Also Check: New South Wales vs Queensland Head to Head in Test

Pitch Report

The Gabba pitch traditionally offers pace, bounce, and movement early on, rewarding seamers who can hit consistent lines. Batting becomes easier on Day 2 and 3, but cracks open later, assisting spinners. Expect a competitive wicket ideal for classic red-ball cricket.

Weather Report

Brisbane’s weather will be clear throughout the Test, with daytime highs around 29°C and little to no rain forecast. Perfect conditions for uninterrupted play.

Broadcast Details

Live Streaming: FanCode
TV Broadcast: Not available in India

Toss Prediction

Winner: New South Wales
Decision: Opt to bowl first to exploit early seam movement

Match Prediction

Winner: New South Wales 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.

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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