MCG to host two BBL Finals matches

The MCG will host two matches of the BBL|11 Finals series, following Cricket Australia confirming revisions to its Finals series structure, designed to safeguard the matches against the potential impacts of COVID-19.

The five-match Finals series, beginning this Friday January 21 remains as per previously announced, with the Finals series spread across two weeks.

All three matches scheduled for the first week of the KFC BBL|11 Finals on January 21, 22 and 23 will be held in Melbourne, with the MCG to host The Eliminator and The Knockout matches.

The MCG double-header on Wednesday January 19 decided the fates of the final five teams, including their ladder positioning, opponents and path to the BBL Final.

The Eliminator, scheduled for Friday January 21 at 7.15pm AEDT, will see the Adelaide Strikers host the Hobart Hurricanes.

The Knockout will take centre stage at the MCG on Sunday January 23 at 7.15pm AEDT, with the Sydney thunder to take on the winner of The Eliminator, the Adelaide Strikers.

The Perth Scorchers have nominated Marvel Stadium as their preferred home venue for a KFC BBL|11 Finals match, as it is currently not possible for home matches to be played at Optus Stadium due to border restrictions and how they apply to entry into Western Australia.

As such, the remaining Finals matches, scheduled for January 26 and 28, will be held at the nominated home venues of the participating clubs. This means the MCG will not host either of The Challenger or The Final.

Tickets will go on sale at midday on Thursday January 20 via Ticketek.

Alistair Dobson, Cricket Australia’s General Manager of Big Bash Leagues, said: “The KFC BBL|11 Finals series will be an exciting conclusion to a season that has provided fantastic moments on the field, coupled with unprecedented challenges off it.

“We thank all our fans nationwide for their support throughout KFC BBL|11 and look forward to seeing all who can make it at the Finals series.”

All Finals matches will be broadcast live on Seven, Foxtel, Kayo and SEN.

BBL|11 FINALS MATCHES AT THE MCG

The Eliminator: Adelaide Strikers v Hobart Hurricanes – Friday January 21, 7.15pm AEDT
The Knockout: Sydney Thunder v Winner of The Eliminator – Sunday January 23, 7.15pm AEDT