Adelaide Strikers shocked defending champions Perth Scorchers in the last match to qualify for the Challenger of the ongoing Big Bash League. Jake Weatherald made 56 runs while Lloyd Pope picked up four wickets to help Strikers remain in the race to qualify for their second final since 2018. Up next, they will challenge Brisbane Heat, who remained undefeated for the first nine games of the season but suffered two back-to-back defeats.

They were unstoppable at one point but in the Qualifier against Sydney Sixers, their batting unit failed to live up to the potential as the Nathan McSweeney-led side suffered a 39-run defeat in Carrara Oval in Queensland. Thus, batting is one area that the team needs to improve immediately in order to challenge for the title.

Their bowling unit, on the other hand, looks more or less sorted with Michael Neser, Paul Walter and Spencer Johnson in the mix. They lacked rhythm in the last match but can bounce back in a do-or-die clash.

When it comes to the Strikers, skipper Matthew Short has been outstanding. In 10 matches, the 28-year-old has smashed 522 runs at a strike rate of 151.74 and with that, he is currently the leading run-scorer in the tournament. Their bowling however looks a bit shaky but the players are in form, which should give them the much-needed confidence.

Meanwhile, the winner of the Challenger will go on to challenge Sydney Sixers in the final of the competition.

Brisbane Heat vs Adelaide Strikers Predicted Playing XI:

Brisbane Heat

Jimmy Peirson (wk), Josh Brown, Nathan McSweeney (c), Matt Renshaw, Max Bryant, Paul Walter, Michael Neser, Xavier Bartlett, Spencer Johnson, Mitchell Swepson, Matthew Kuhnemann

Adelaide Strikers

Matthew Short (c), D Arcy Short, Jake Weatherald, Thomas Kelly, Harry Nielsen (wk), Ben Manenti, James Bazley, Henry Thornton, David Payne, Cameron Boyce, Lloyd Pope