Melbourne Stars or Brisbane Heat? Which is the fourth team most likely to qualify for the finals of BBL|14
14th edition Big Bash League (BBL) enters its most interesting phase with only three games remaining in the regular season. Sydney derby in between Thunder and The Sixers ended without a result due to rain. With this, the three teams locked up their place in the season qualifiers.
The three teams that managed to qualify for the BBL.
So far, both the Thunder and Sixers have finished their regular season games. While the 6-2 Sixers collected 14 points on the board to finish 2nd in the league standings, the Thunder bounced back solidly from a slow start to their season and collected 5 wins to collect 12 points and finish 3rd.
However, Hobart Hurricanes they managed to finish the regular part of the season at the top of the table with 7 wins and only 1 loss in the season. Interestingly, the Hurricanes still have to play a match against the Melbourne Stars which turned out to be the biggest stakes for the Stars as it will determine their chances of entering the playoffs. Currently, these 3 teams have secured a place in the playoffs.
Format of the final
The Big Bash League Final Series has a unique format different from 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 match against the winner of the match between the third and fourth placed teams. While the former match was named as ‘Qualifier’the latter is known as ‘Knockout’.
This year, the Hurricanes are scheduled to play the Sixers for the qualifiers. The winner of the match goes directly to the final. While Sydney Thunder will play with the fourth team that will advance to the finals of the season.
Also WATCH: Marnus Labuschagne hits stunning six off Riley Meredith in BBL|14
Here is the scenario of the final
Your first look at #BBL14 Final 🏆
The qualifiers are set with the Hobart Hurricanes hosting the Sydney Sixers for a place in the finals.
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
Scoreboard status
The BBL points table currently gives a partially clear picture of the finals scenario. While 3 teams have made it to the next round, the fourth team to play the knockout stage against Sydney Thunder is yet to be determined. The two most likely candidates for the final are Melbourne Stars and Brisbane Heat which are currently in 4th and 5th place.
Both teams have one game each. While the Stars are set for a clash against the leaders Hurricanes, the Heat will play their last game against the last-placed team Melbourne Renegades. The two teams are tied with 8 and 7 points, respectively, and the outcome of the last game of the regular season will determine which team secures the final spot.
The Stars will have a clear chance for the top-4 only if they beat the Hurricanes. However, they will already have an idea of their chances as the Renegades and Heat are scheduled to play each other the day before their match. As for the Heat, they will not only have to defeat the Renegades but also dominate the game and emerge as convincing match winners to put pressure on the Stars.
Also WATCH: Lachlan Shaw shouts to dismiss Alex Ross in BBL|14
