Victoria take on Western Australia in a key fixture of the Men’s Australia One-Day Cup at the familiar and compact CitiPower Centre, Melbourne on 1st December. The match is scheduled to begin at 23:00 UK time, which converts to 04:30 IST the following day. With both sides pushing for momentum in the middle stages of the competition, this contest promises tactical depth, disciplined bowling, and impactful top-order performances.
Form Guide
Victoria
Victoria enter the clash seeking greater consistency after a mixed start to their One-Day Cup campaign. Their batting unit has produced promising individual contributions, though converting starts into big totals remains a priority. Their seam attack has shown encouraging signs, particularly with early movement on home surfaces.
- Top-order stability improving but still searching for bigger scores.
- Pace bowlers exploiting new-ball conditions effectively.
- Fielding intensity creating pressure in tight passages of play.
Western Australia
Western Australia continue to display the strong, well-structured cricket that has defined their recent domestic success. Their powerful batting core and experienced fast-bowling group make them one of the most balanced sides in the competition. Their form away from home remains impressive, showcasing adaptability in varied conditions.
- Explosive batting lineup capable of rapid acceleration.
- High-quality pace attack led by experienced campaigners.
- Reliable middle-order contributors adding depth.
Key Players
Victoria
- Peter Handscomb – Experienced batter whose calm presence anchors innings and steadies the middle order.
- Will Sutherland – Valuable all-rounder offering tight spells and lower-order hitting.
- Scott Boland – Skilled seamer renowned for accuracy and ability to extract bounce on home wickets.
Western Australia
- Cameron Bancroft – Consistent top-order batter adept at setting strong platforms.
- Ashton Turner – Dynamic middle-order hitter with excellent finishing credentials.
- Jhye Richardson – Strike bowler offering pace, swing, and wicket-taking spells.
Pitch and Weather Conditions
The CitiPower Centre is known for its true surface, providing good carry for seamers and rewarding batters who play through the line. While early overs may offer movement, conditions generally settle into a balanced wicket ideal for competitive 50-over cricket. Weather in Melbourne is expected to be mild and clear, ideal for uninterrupted play.
Victoria vs Western Australia – Prediction
This matchup pits Victoria’s developing consistency against the proven firepower of Western Australia. Expect Jhye Richardson to play a pivotal role with the ball, while Peter Handscomb will be crucial to Victoria’s batting stability. Western Australia’s depth and experience give them the edge, although a strong early push from Victoria could make this a closely fought contest.
Dream 11 Fantasy Picks
- Jhye Richardson – High-impact fast bowler with strong wicket-taking potential.
- Will Sutherland – Safe fantasy pick offering points across multiple disciplines.
- Ashton Turner – Reliable middle-order run scorer with finishing ability.
