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The 14th edition of the Big Bash League (BBL) is about to enter its most interesting phase with just three matches remaining in the regular season. The Sydney derby between Thunder and Sixers ended without a result due to rain. With that, three teams have locked their position in the qualifiers of the season.
Three teams who have made it to the BBL qualifiers.
As of now, both Thunder and Sixers have completed their matches of the regular season. While Sixers with 6 wins and 2 losses have accumulated 14 points on the board and finished 2nd of the league table, Thunder have made a solid comeback after a slow start to their season and garnered 5 wins to clinch 12 points on board to finish 3rd.
However, Hobart Hurricanes have managed to finish the regular season at the top of the table with 7 wins and just 1 defeat throughout the season. Interestingly, Hurricanes still have a match to play against Melbourne Stars which proves out to be of utmost stake for the stars since it will determine their chances of going into the playoffs. Currently, these 3 teams have secured a place in the playoffs.
The finals format
The final series of the Big Bash league has a unique format different to other leagues around the world. The top-2 teams play against each other to determine the first finalist of the season, while the loser plays another fixture against the winner of the match between the third and fourth placed teams. While the former fixture has been termed as the ‘Qualifier’, the latter is known as the ‘Knockout’.
This year, Hurricanes are set to play against Sixers for the Qualifier. The winner of the match directly proceeds into the finals. While Sydney Thunder will be playing with the fourth team who will qualify for the finals of the season.
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Here’s the finals scenario
Your first look at the #BBL14 Finals 🏆
The Qualifier is set with the Hobart Hurricanes hosting the Sydney Sixers for a place in The Final.
The Sydney Thunder will host The Knockout against a team yet to be determined! pic.twitter.com/XjuyKkMVLn
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 17, 2025
The situation of the points table
The BBL points table currently paints a partial clear picture of the finals scenario. While 3 teams have made it to the next round, a fourth team, which will play the Knockout against Sydney Thunder is yet to be determined. The two most probable candidates for the final spot are Melbourne Stars and Brisbane Heat which are currently placed at 4th and 5th place respectively.
Both the teams have one game each to play. While Stars are set to have a clash against league leaders Hurricanes, Heat will play their final match against bottom placed Melbourne Renegades. The two teams are finely poised beside each other with 8 and 7 points respectively and the outcome of the final match of the regular season will determine which team will secure the final spot.
Stars will have a clear chance at the top-4 only if they defeat Hurricanes. However, they will already have an idea of their chances since Renegades and Heat are set to play against each other a day before their fixture. For Heat, they will not only have to defeat the Renegades but dominate the game and emerge as convincing winners of the match to exert pressure on Stars.
