Harry Nielsen’s unbeaten 72 and Henry Thornton’s four-wicket haul secured the Adelaide Strikers a 25-run Grand Final victory over Victoria at DXC Arena, completing another successful campaign in Australia’s Winter Cricket Capital.
Champions in 2024 and runners-up in 2025, the Strikers returned to their third consecutive Grand Final determined to reclaim the trophy. After topping the ladder and defeating New Zealand A that morning, Victoria stood between them and a second title in three years.
Sent in to bat, Nielsen and Connor Carroll gave Adelaide the start they needed. Carroll attacked with 36 from just 19 deliveries as the opening pair added 68, before Victoria struck back.
Three wickets reduced the Strikers to 3-81, bringing Jerrssis Wadia to the crease with the innings at a turning point.
Nielsen held firm while Wadia lifted the tempo, striking 49 from 31 balls in an 81-run partnership that restored Adelaide’s momentum. Nielsen batted through the innings for 72 not out from 53 deliveries, guiding the Strikers to 5-177 and earning Player of the Match honours.
Victoria’s chase suffered an early setback when Tim Oakley removed Tom Rogers and Campbell Kellaway in the same over, leaving them at 2-31.
Harry Dixon and Blake Macdonald rebuilt, adding 55 before Thornton dismissed Dixon for 33. Macdonald continued to find boundaries, keeping Victoria in contention as the pressure mounted.
His 58 from 44 balls ended when Jason Sangha held the catch off Lachie Bangs. At 5-141 after 16 overs, Victoria still needed 37 from 24 balls. The trophy remained within reach.
Adelaide then shut the chase down.
Sam Elliott was run out, and Thornton removed Liam Blackford and Harry Hoekstra to finish with 4-24. The Strikers conceded just 11 runs across the final four overs, holding Victoria to 8-152.
It was the sort of pressure test that gives the Study NT Top End T20 Series its value ahead of the Australian summer. Across 10 days, nine teams competed in a different environment, with international opposition challenging domestic players to adapt their skills and plans.
Through the Series, NT Cricket continues to strengthen the Northern Territory’s position as Australia’s Winter Cricket Capital, giving established professionals and emerging players meaningful match preparation ahead of their domestic and BBL seasons.
Fellow wicketkeeper Sam Harper competed in the 2025 Top End T20 Series before going on to be named Player of the Tournament for the Melbourne Stars in BBL|15. After his own match-winning performance in Darwin, could Nielsen follow that example with a standout summer?
For now, he and the Strikers have a title to celebrate. Seven wins from eight matches, a third consecutive Grand Final and a second trophy in three years underline Adelaide’s strength in the Top End.
The Study NT Top End T20 Series Match Centre for full scorecards, results and player statistics from the 2026 tournament.