THREE teams remain in the race for this season’s Big Bash League (BBL) title, with the decider set to be hosted by the Sydney Sixers on Wednesday. With the lower-ranked sides advancing from two enthralling finals over the weekend, we take you through how things stand in the BBL|13 postseason.

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FINALS SO FAR

Sixers in seventh final heaven

Sydney Sixers advanced to this year’s decider after a 39-run win over the Heat on Friday night. With Brisbane forced to play its home finals on the Gold Coast, Sydney took toll to reach its seventh BBL final in a quest for title number four.

The Sixers were sent in and had their batting innings saved by skipper Moises Henriques, who thumped 59 (50) as wickets fell around him. He helped amass a defendable total of 8-152, before Ben Dwarshuis rattled the Heat with 5-21 to see them fall for 113.

Brisbane’s double finals chance sets up a another clash at Carrara Stadium tonight, this time against the streaking Adelaide Strikers. Meanwhile, the Sixers will host the winner of that match at the SCG in January 24’s decider.

Strikers spin epic Scorchers upset

Adelaide Strikers stormed Perth Stadium and took home an epic upset victory, defeating the Scorchers by 50 runs on Saturday night. The result sees the back-to-back defending champions eliminated, while the Strikers extend their winning streak to five matches.

Leg-spin was at the forefront of Adelaide’s unlikely victory, with Player of the Match Lloyd Pope (4-24) and Cameron Boyce (3-20) combining to restrict Perth’s chase to a mere 105 runs. Earlier, Jake Weatherald (56 off 32) played a lone hand as the Strikers posted 7-155.

The Scorchers were on track at 0-38 in response, but suffered a mighty collapse of 7-40 to go down comprehensively. A makeshift opening pair featured Marcus Harris and debutant Sam Fanning, who top-scored alongside fellow young gun Cooper Connolly with 31 runs.

WHAT’S NEXT?

The Qualifier: Sixers def. Heat by 39 runs
The Knockout: Strikers def. Scorchers by 50 runs
The Challenger: Heat vs. Strikers | January 22 @ Carrara Stadium
The Final: Sixers vs. Challenger Winner | January 24 @ SCG

THE CONTENDERS

BRISBANE HEAT
H&A record: 1st | 7-1, 2 N/R | 0.972 NRR | 16 points
Streak: WWWWWWWL | L
Finals appearances: 5
Grand Finals/Titles: 2 / 1

The Heat will be rejoicing their top two qualification having been upstaged by the Sixers last week. Now, a double chance sees them host the Strikers at Carrara Stadium, albeit with a relatively new-look lineup compared to the one which earned top spot. Two losses on the trot do not read well for Brisbane, though a game under the belt on the Gold Coast, and Adelaide’s extensive travel, will.

SYDNEY SIXERS
H&A record: 2nd | 6-2, 2 N/R | 0.339 NRR | 14 points
Streak: WWWLLWWW | W
Finals appearances: 10
Grand Finals/Titles: 7* / 3

The Sixers are peaking at the right time and boast one of the competition’s most settled squads – including five players with over 100 games of BBL experience. Their four-straight wins are bested only by Adelaide’s run of five, though the difference is their wealth of finals exposure. Sydney will be out to add a fourth title to its trophy cabinet and is well poised to do so with a home decider.

* – yet to play BBL|13 decider

ADELAIDE STRIKERS
H&A record: 4th | 5-4, 1 N/R | 0.331 NRR | 11 points
Streak: WLLLLWWWW | W
Finals appearances: 7
Grand Finals/Titles: 1 / 1

Adelaide is arguably the form side of the competition – even without star batter Chris Lynn – having racked up five consecutive wins en route to finals. The Strikers cannot be counted out and have a 100 per cent winning record in deciders, but must get past the Heat first in another tough away trip. A poor recent record against Brisbane and shaky batting order are the other hurdles.

PREDICTION

Travel will catch up with the Strikers, whose roaring run ends against the Heat tonight. That leaves the top two ranked sides to meet again in the decider, with Sydney’s home ground advantage set to play a part in what would be a fitting send-off for the retiring Steve O’Keefe. Sixers for title number four.