The Adelaide Strikers Academy squad will return to Darwin for the 2025 Top End T20 Series, sponsored by Tourism NT.
The rapid expansion of T20 franchise cricket and an increasing demand from young players for more playing opportunities, has seen the Top End T20 Series expanded from five teams in 2023 to a record 11 teams in 2025. Four international teams - two more than last year - will head to Darwin to round out the competition
Strikers Academy Head Coach John Palmer said the team is excited to return to the Top End.
"We are thrilled to be heading back to the Northern Territory," Palmer said.
"Winning the series last year was a fantastic experience for our developing group, and the opportunity to defend our title in an expanded competition is a challenge we are looking forward to. The Top End provides a unique environment and invaluable match practice for our players."
In their inaugural appearance last year, the Adelaide Strikers Academy won the series. In a thrilling final match, the Strikers Academy beat Bangladesh A by 32 runs. Tom O’Connell was named Player of the Final, smashing seven boundaries on his way to 53 runs from 33 balls and putting on a crucial 78-run stand with Harry Matthias (19) to set up the Strikers' innings.
This victory sealed a remarkable weekend for the Strikers, who had only qualified for the top four late on Saturday due to net run rate, before convincingly beating the Pakistan Shaheens in the semi-final on Sunday morning.
The tournament is set to run from August 14 to 24 across multiple venues in Darwin.
2025 Top End T20 Series - Strikers Academy Squad
Aidan Cahill, Mackenzie Harvey, Hanno Jacobs, Josh Kann, Ryan King, Harry Manenti, Harry Nielsen, Tom O’Connell, Tim Oakley, Alex Ross (Captain), Aubrey Stockdale, Jerssis Wadia, Jake Winter