Which Pakistan players will be part of the BBL|15 playoffs?

The fifteenth edition of the Big Bash League (BBL) has reached its business end. Sunday’s game between the Sydney Sixers and the Brisbane Heat, which was a virtual knock, confirmed the former’s spot in the playoffs. The win also shot the Sixers up to the second spot on the table, which means they, along with table-toppers Perth Scorchers, will get two shots to secure a place in the final. 

Besides these two, Hobart Hurricanes and Melbourne Stars are the other sides. While this year, the BBL saw the largest number of Pakistan players participating, among the final four, only two remain: Babar Azam and Haris Rauf.

Babar Azam

Babar, directly signed by the Sixers ahead of the draft, has had a pretty average debut BBL stint so far. He averages 25 at an unexciting strike rate of 104. In his recent outing in a high-stakes game versus the Heat, he was dismissed after scoring just one run off seven balls. 

The Pakistan batter still has at least two games left this season, though at this point, he is unlikely to do better than what he has done in the group stages. 

Haris Rauf

Haris, on the other hand, is worlds apart from Babar when it comes to performances in this edition. In fact, none of his other Pakistani teammates has had an impact that could match his. Representing the Stars, he is currently the highest wicket-taker in the BBL this year, having taken 18 wickets at an economy of 7.96. 

Unlike Babar, Haris does not have much margin for error, as now his team will need to win everything thrown their way to win the tournament.

BBL|15 Playoffs Schedule:

Perth Scorchers v Sydney Sixers (Qualifier) - January 20

Hobart Hurricanes v Melbourne Stars (Knockout) - January 21

Loser of Qualifier v winner of Knockout (Challenger) - January 23

Winner of Qualifier v winner of Challenger (Final) - January 25

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