Race for the BBL Finals week goes from interesting to thrilling with hosting rights also on the line along with a spot in the Final.
BBL finals race goes down to the wire; hosting rights also on the line.
The final two games of the BBL regular season will determine the finals. Perth Scorchers and Melbourne Stars will compete to host the Qualifier, while Brisbane Heat and Sydney Sixers will square off in a winner-take-all showdown at the Gabba for the final slot in the top four.
The Scorchers’ significant victory over the Melbourne Renegades on Thursday guaranteed their place in the finals, but there are still a number of possible outcomes, including who will host the qualifier on January 20 and the knockout on January 21.
The defending champions, Hobart Hurricanes, are currently atop the table, but if the Sixers win both of their remaining games (they play Sydney Thunder on Friday before travelling to Brisbane), they will finish third. If the Scorchers-Stars game is cancelled, they could fall to fourth, though Perth is predicted to do well.
The fourth team to advance will be decided by the Sixers-Heat match at the Gabba on Sunday, regardless of the outcome of the Sydney derby at the SCG. Zaman Khan’s magnificent final over helped the Heat defeat the Hurricanes by three runs, keeping their season alive.
Being in the top two is a big advantage. On January 23, the losing team hosts the Challenger against the Knockout winner, giving them another opportunity to advance to the final.
Because they won’t have to travel again while the visiting teams would have to make cross-country travels, Scorchers are more motivated to win and host the qualifier before pushing to host the final on January 25. When they played in the finals at Perth Stadium, they would also receive tremendous home support.