This is the one we’ve all been waiting for. The top of the table clash between the Melbourne Stars and Sydney Sixers, with the winner to progress straight into the BBL 9 decider on Saturday week.
It’s been a largely outstanding season for the Stars, who really have been the league benchmark since Week 1. Worryingly, however, they have lost three matches in succession leading into this, including one to the in-form Sixers. Nothing short of a sharp turnaround in form will be required for them to win this but given the talent they have at their disposal, there is every chance they will do it.
The Sixers returned plenty of pleasing efforts to finish the regular season with a 9-4 record but have probably found their best form at the perfect moment. The inclusion of names like Nathan Lyon and Steve Smith have clearly had an enormous impact on the ethos of this side, and a repeat of any of their recent performances would find them extremely difficult to beat again.