BBL Adda Notes: Numbers that will keep you ahead in playoffs

There is absolutely no margin for error from here on as Big Bash League 2020-21 season reaches it playoffs stage. Brisbane Heat kick off the round with a tough tie against Adelaide Strikers on Friday, January 29, while Sydney Sixers, who finished at the top of the BBL points table, lock horns with Perth Scorchers on Saturday, January 30.

Also Read: Brett’s watch list: Players to watch during BBL playoffs

Since five teams qualify for the round, the format of the Big Bash League playoffs is designed as such that the teams finishing first and second in the tally will have two opportunities to make their way into the final. The four BBL playoffs finals are known as the Eliminator, the Knockout, the Qualifier and the Challenger, and this is how it works:

The Eliminator: Fourth Placed Team vs Fifth Placed Team

The Qualifier: First Placed Team vs Second Placed Team

The Knockout: Third Placed Team vs Winner of The Eliminator 

The Challenger: Loser of The Qualifier vs Winner of The Knockout 

Who's pumped for the #BBLFinals?! #BBL10 pic.twitter.com/4aWSNYP5RG

— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 26, 2021

So with that being said, here we look at some key statistics that will help you ease past the first two playoffs.

Brisbane Heat vs Adelaide Strikers

Brisbane Heat and Adelaide Strikers met twice in the ongoing Big Bash League season and it was the latter who emerged victorious in both of these fixtures. While the first one was a hard-fought victory, that second was, in fact, an easy route. Both teams are coming on the back of three victories in their last five outings, but what gives the Strikers an edge is their head-to-head record against Heat.

In a total of 13 meetings between the two sides, Strikers have won eight while Heat have gotten just five victories. In addition, Strikers have also won three of their last five meetings with Heat; all of them have come in a row. Even the venue - The Gabba in Brisbane - favours Strikers, who have won five of their last six BBL matches there.

Adelaide Strikers hold the upright advantage against Brisbane Heat as they have averaged 171 runs in their last five outings while batting first. Heat, on the other hand, average 161.

Sydney Sixers vs Perth Scorchers

Sydney Sixers vs Perth Scorchers head-to-head record favours the latter, who have won 11 of their 18 meetings in total. This season though, the teams have been on the neck of each other, having won a game apiece. Their first meeting in Perth was all about Mitchell Marsh’s brilliance, who not only scored a quick-fire half-century but also picked a wicket while bowling at a healthy economy of 6.00. In their second meeting in Canberra, Josh Philippe and James Vince combined to play a 106-run stand as Sixers reached their target of 164 in 18.5 overs.

Perth Scorchers, however, have an underwhelming record at Canberra; the venue for Saturday’s game. They have won just one of their last three matches at the venue. The two teams have clashed twice in Canberra and have won a game apiece. One can rightly expect it to be a tight affair, but odds are stacked in Sixers’ side.

Feature image courtesy: Twitter / @BBL