Big Bash Playoffs: All you need to know

Ahead of the Big Bash's playoff phase, The Cricketer rounds up all you need to know about the latter stages of the competition

What is it?

The playoff stage of the Big Bash, following a round-robin phase in which the eight teams played each other twice.

When is it?

The first of five playoff games takes place on January 29, with the competition’s final on February 6.

What is the schedule?

January 29: Brisbane Heat v Adelaide Strikers, The Gabba (7.15pm local, 9.15am GMT) – Eliminator

January 30: Sydney Sixers v Perth Scorchers, Manuka Oval (7.15pm local, 8.15am GMT) – Qualifier

January 31: Sydney Thunder v Eliminator Winner, Manuka Oval (7.15pm local, 8.15am GMT) – Knockout

February 4: Qualifier Loser v Knockout Winner, tbc – Challenger

February 6: Qualifier Winner v Challenger Winner, tbc – Final

How does it work?

It is simpler than it looks.

Firstly, the Eliminator. This game features Brisbane Heat and Adelaide Strikers, who finished fourth and fifth respectively. The loser of this match is out. The winner moves through to face Sydney Thunder, who finished third, in the Knockout. The winner of that match then moves through to the Challenger, which is effectively the last hurdle before the final. In the Challenger, the Knockout winner faces the loser of the Qualifier.

The Qualifier is the secondary strand of the playoffs, featuring the top two teams in the round-robin phase: Sydney Sixers and Perth Scorchers. Whoever wins their clash heads straight into the final. The losing team is not out yet, however. They get another chance to qualify in the Challenger by facing the winner of the Knockout.

^{Sydney Sixers won last year's tournament and topped the group this time around}

Who is involved?

Sydney Sixers topped the round-robin ladder, though that does not guarantee them the title: Melbourne Stars won last year’s table but lost the final and finished second-bottom this time around.

Perth Scorchers recovered from a slow start to dominate in the latter part of the group; they finished second.

Sydney Thunder finished third, with Brisbane Heat and Adelaide Strikers both sneaking into the playoff picture in fourth and fifth.

Who has starred thus far?

Each team left in the Big Bash has a name among the top five run-scorers in this year’s tournament. Alex Hales is the runaway leader, having made 535 in 14 games. Behind him are Sixers’ Josh Philippe, Heat captain Chris Lynn, Strikers wicketkeeper Alex Carey and Scorchers’ New Zealand batsman Colin Munro.

Of the leading bowlers, Perth’s Jhye Richardson has been the standout seamer; no one has come close to his 27 wickets. Brisbane fast bowler Mark Steketee is his closest rival, followed by Thunder leg-spinner Tanveer Sangha and Adelaide’s Wes Agar.

How can I follow it?

In Australia, Fox Sports and streaming service Kayo Sports will broadcast all every match, Seven share the rights, showing 45 games including the entire knock-out phase.

BT Sport will continue its exclusive rights to Australian cricket in the UK with full coverage of the competition.

BBC Radio Five Live will have commentary of matches on their sister station, Sports Extra.

Sony Six and Sony Six HD will be showing matches in India.