14th edition of Big Bash League (BBL) is about to enter its most exciting phase with just three games remaining in the regular season. Sydney Penn Derby thunder and Sixers It ended without a result due to rain. Thus, three teams have secured their places in the season qualifiers.
Three teams qualified for the BBL playoffs.
As of now, both the Thunder and Sixers have completed their regular season games. While the Sixers with 6 wins and 2 losses put up 14 points on the board and finished 2nd in the league table, the Thunder made a strong comeback after a slow start to their season and picked up 5 wins to grab 12 points to finish in 3rd place.
but, Hurricanes Hobart He managed to finish the regular season at the top of the table with seven wins and only one defeat all season. Interestingly, the Hurricanes still have a match to play against the Melbourne Stars which proves to be of great importance for the Stars as it will determine their chances of qualifying for the playoffs. Currently, these three teams have earned a spot in the playoffs.
Finals format
The latest series of the Big Bash League has a unique format that differs from other leagues around the world. The top two teams play against each other to determine the top finalist for the season, while the loser plays another match against the winner of the match between the third and fourth-placed teams. While the previous match was named after “qualification”The latter is known as 'a story'.
This year, the Hurricanes are scheduled to play the Sixers in the playoffs. The winner of the match qualifies directly to the finals. While Sydney Thunder will play with the fourth team to qualify for the season finals.
also Watch: Marnus Labuschagne scores stunning six-goal haul against Riley Meredith in BBL|14
Here is the finals scenario
Your first look at #bubble14 Finals 🏆
Playoffs are 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
Points table status
The BBL points table currently paints a partly clear picture of the finals scenario. While 3 teams have qualified for the next round, the fourth team that will play the knockout round against Sydney Thunder has not yet been decided. The two most likely candidates for the final spot are Melbourne Stars and Brisbane Heat Which currently ranks fourth and fifth respectively.
Both teams have one match to play. While the Stars are scheduled to face the league-leading Hurricanes, the Heat will play their final game against the last-place team Melbourne Rebels. The two teams are competing well alongside each other with 8 and 7 points respectively, and the result of the final match of the regular season will determine which team will secure the last place.
The Stars won't have a clear shot at making the top four unless they defeat the Hurricanes. However, they will already have an idea of their chances as the Renegades and Heat are scheduled to play against each other a day before the match. For the Heat, not only will they have to defeat the Rebels, but they will take control of the game and emerge as convincing game-winners to put pressure on the Stars.
