BBL: Sydney Sixers to host second consecutive final

Sydney Sixers triumphed over the Perth Scorchers on Saturday in the Big Bash Qualifier at Manuka Oval. Thanks to the victory, the defending champions won the rights to host the final. 

Coincidentally, Sydney Sixers claimed their second BBL title at the same venue last year. Riding on Josh Philippe's half-century, the Sixers posted a huge score of 116 in the allotted 12 overs of play. In reply, the Melbourne Stars fell 19 runs shy of the target. 

Cricket Australia (CA) confirmed that the Sydney Cricket Ground will host the much-awaited final clash on Saturday (6 February). 

"We'd like to congratulate the Sydney Sixers on earning the right to host their second consecutive BBL final, which we're delighted to confirm will be held at the Sydney Cricket Ground. This is a major reward for fans of the Sydney Sixers, who haven't been able to get to the SCG and see their team play so far in BBL|10. We look forward to welcoming a big crowd to the SCG next Saturday night for a fitting end to our tenth season of Big Bash." - Cricket Australia's Head of Big Bash, Alistair Dobson was quoted as saying in an official media release.

After going down to the defending champions last week, Perth Scorchers will get another shot at the final when they take on Brisbane Heat on Thursday at the Optus Stadium. The winner will face Sydney Sixers in the final. High on confidence, Sixers will be eyeing to defend their title. Continuing from where he left off last year, Josh Philippe has set the stage on fire yet again. He has amassed 499 runs at a strike rate of 150 from 15 matches. Come Saturday, the 23-year-old will once again be crucial to the team's fortune.