The Green Post Ireland
Western Australia and Tasmania meet in Match 18 of the One-Day Cup 2025/26 on 10/02/2026 at the WACA Ground in Perth, with very different objectives. WA are clinging to faint qualification hopes, while Tasmania have already sealed a place in the final and are playing purely for momentum and pride.
Western Australia sit fifth on the table with just two wins from five matches. For them, this is effectively a knockout game. Anything less than a convincing victory could end their chances of reaching the final. Tasmania, by contrast, have been the benchmark team of the tournament, winning all five matches and displaying remarkable balance with both bat and ball.
Western Australia preview
Western Australia finally showed signs of life in their last outing, chasing down 286 against Victoria with seven wickets in hand. The top order fired together, which has been one of WA’s biggest issues this season.
Joel Curtis continues to be the standout batter, accumulating 265 runs in five matches at an average above 50. Sam Whiteman has also been reliable at the top, while Ashton Turner’s aggressive 71 off 61 balls last match underlined his importance in the middle order.
With the ball, Joel Paris remains WA’s biggest weapon. He is among the leading wicket-takers in the competition and brings control with the new ball and at the death. However, WA’s concern is their home form at the WACA, where they were heavily beaten by New South Wales earlier in the tournament.
Western Australia key tournament numbers:
| Category | Stat |
|---|---|
| Matches played | 5 |
| Wins | 2 |
| Top run-scorer | Joel Curtis (265 runs) |
| Top wicket-taker | Joel Paris (12 wickets) |
Tasmania preview
Tasmania have been clinical from start to finish this season. Their most recent four-wicket win over South Australia was built on disciplined bowling and calm batting under pressure.
Beau Webster anchored the chase with a composed 78, while Billy Stanlake led the bowling attack with three wickets. Tasmania’s strength lies in how many players are contributing consistently. Jordan Silk has been outstanding as captain, averaging 77 with the bat, while Matthew Wade has added experience and tempo through the middle overs.
The bowling unit has also been extremely well-rounded. Nathan Ellis provides control, Riley Meredith adds pace, and Nikhil Chaudhary has quietly been effective through the middle overs.
Tasmania key tournament numbers:
| Category | Stat |
|---|---|
| Matches played | 5 |
| Wins | 5 |
| Top run-scorer | Jordan Silk (231 runs) |
| Top wicket-taker | Nikhil Chaudhary (7 wickets) |
Pitch and conditions at the WACA
The WACA traditionally offers pace and bounce, rewarding fast bowlers who hit the deck hard. However, light rain is forecast, which could slow the surface and bring spinners into play more than usual.
Recent One-Day Cup matches here suggest first-innings scores around 220–240 are competitive, though higher totals are possible if conditions stay dry early on. Teams batting first have generally enjoyed more success at this venue in this tournament.
Final prediction
Western Australia may arrive with renewed confidence after their last win, but Tasmania have been far more consistent across all departments. Their balanced batting, disciplined bowling, and recent head-to-head edge make them deserved favourites. Unless WA produce their most complete performance of the season, Tasmania should extend their unbeaten run and maintain momentum heading into the final.
- Match Winner: Tasmania
- Best Bet: Tasmania to win
- Likely Scenario: Tasmania’s depth and consistency overpower a desperate WA side
