The BBL 2021-22 has reached the playoff stage. We have top 5 teams who have made it to the playoffs. Hobart Hurricanes are the fifth team that has made it to the playoffs. There are 5 games in this stage that will determine the winner of BBL 2021-22. An eliminator, qualifier, knockout, challenger, and the final will decide the champions. Teams have to bring out their absolute best if they have to emerge champions. There is a lot at stake as players who shine at such a big stage tend to get noticed that wee bit quicker.
We look at which team is likely to win BBL 2021-22?
#5 Hobart Hurricanes
The Hobart Hurricanes were the one team that were fighting the most odds. They were up against the tide heading into the closing end of the league. The Hurricanes have managed to stay afloat. They have qualified for the playoffs. They enter the playoffs with a win in their last league game. Hurricanes have a 50-50 record in the league stages. They won 7 and lost 7 in the run-up to the playoffs.
But here is where it gets challenging for them. They will contest an eliminator to stay alive in the completion. Hurricanes will be up against Adelaide Strikers. A loss will derail their campaign right here. Expect the Hurricanes to fight it out but a championship looks highly unlikely from here.
#4 Adelaide Strikers
The Adelaide Strikers really have to thank their bonus wins for securing a place in the top 4. They have just 6 wins as compared to 7 wins of Hurricanes. It is here where the Strikers stand out. They qualified for the playoffs on the back of some stellar performances. The Strikers will square off against the Hurricanes who are fresh from a win in their last league game. A loss will halt their campaign but a win might spiral them ahead. At this stage, it does look difficult for the Strikers to go all the way.
#3 Sydney Thunder
The Sydney Thunder coasted to the playoffs on the back of some impressive performances. They won 9 league games pocketing 35 points with key bonus victories. Thunder finished third in the points table ensuring themselves a place in the knockout game. They have just 3 steps to take from hereon. A championship win might be a bit far-fetched but don’t rule them out to put 3 consecutive wins on the trot.
#2 Sydney Sixers
Sixers are the second team from Sydney to qualify for the playoffs. Much similar to the Thunder, they have 9 wins in the league stage. They grabbed 35 points and boast of the highest net run rate (+1.027) in the competition. Sixers have 2 chances to qualify for the finals. They will first play the qualifier against Perth Scorchers. If they slip up there, they have another chance in the challenger to prove their mettle. They stand a good chance to lift the title this season.
#1 Perth Scorchers
Perth Scorchers have been the form team of the tournament. They have won record 11 games in the league stage. Scorchers have 40 points comprising huge wins and massive bonus points. They have had collective performances right through the tournament. Scorchers just like the Sixers have 2 shots at the finals. They are the outright favourites to win BBL 2021-22. It will be a huge surprise if they don’t end up winning the tournament.
