The Big Bash League (BBL 2021-22) is now nearing its business end. Teams are busy jostling to make that last dash into the playoffs. They are leaving no stone unturned to stake a claim in the top 4.
The BBL’s playoff scenarios make all the calculations even more interesting. It gives the chance to the 5 top teams to contest for the ultimate prize. The race to the finals has just got interesting with teams fighting tooth and nail for every single point.
We look at how the teams stack up in the playoffs qualification scenario:
# Melbourne Renegades
The Melbourne Renegades are out of the tournament. They had a pretty dismal season this year. With 2 games to go, they will be disappointed to not be involved in the playoffs race. The Renegades have just 3 wins to show from 12 games so far.
# Brisbane Heat
Brisbane Heat had the fate in their own hands up until now. They had to win all their last 3 games to stake a claim in the playoffs. But their hopes were crushed in their last game. They too pretty much like the Renegades are now out of the race. With just 15 points from 13 games, the Brisbane Heat have to wait for a year to make amends.
# Melbourne Stars
It is here where things start getting interesting. The Stars are in with a realistic chance of making it for the playoffs. They have won 6 games and lost 7 up until this point. The Stars have 22 points to show for their efforts from 13 games. Their campaign received a major fillip when they posted a comfortable victory over the Heats. With a game left against the Hobart Hurricanes, this might just prove to be the crucial match that might decide their fate.
# Hobart Hurricanes
The Hobart Hurricanes are one team that is most excitingly placed in the points table. They have won 6 and lost 6 after having played 12 games up until now. The Hurricanes have 24 points to show for their efforts. Their remaining 2 games are against the Melbourne Stars and Melbourne Renegades. They will be keen to add more points to their kitty to assure themselves of a top-5 qualification. Don’t rule the Hurricanes out from the Top-4 race too. They are the dark horses who can surely spring an upset.
# Adelaide Strikers
The Adelaide Strikers really have to thank their bonus points for being placed in the top 4. They have 6 wins just as the Stars and Hurricanes but they have 6 points in addition to their wins. It is here where the Strikers stand out. They have already qualified for the playoffs on the back of some stellar performances. The Strikers will be keen to consolidate their hold in the Top-4.
# The Top-3
The top-3 in the table have clearly separated them from the rest of the pack. The Sydney Thunders have 8 wins from 13 games with 31 points in their bucket. They are close on the heels of Sydney Sixers who sit pretty with 31 points. The Sixers though have a superior net run rate at this point.
But the clear pack leader in this season is the Perth Scorchers. They have sizzled right throughout the tournament. The Scorchers have posted a record 11 wins in the league stage. They have 41 points from 14 games. Scorchers are the first qualifiers of BBL 2021-22.
