In-form Sydney Sixers are eyeing off a Big Bash League finals double-chance following their comprehensive victory over Brisbane Heat at the Gabba on Thursday.
The Sixers moved to second on the ladder with the eight-wicket win, a vital position in the revamped five-team finals format.
With Melbourne Stars having already sewn up top spot on the ladder, just who'll meet them in the grand final qualifier is a two-horse race between Adelaide Strikers and the Sixers.
Under the new format the top two teams get a double chance in the finals, while the third-placed team will face the winner of an elimination final between the fourth and fifth-placed teams.
The win over the Heat means Sydney have a two-point lead over the Strikers.
Adelaide still have two games to play, and a superior net run rate to the Sixers, and can reclaim second place later on Friday against Perth Scorchers at Optus Stadium.
A slip-up in that game and the Sixers - with Test paceman Josh Hazlewood set to come into their lineup - have everything to play for in Saturday's match against Melbourne Renegades at the SCG.
"It's quite a big difference, I think, finishing second to third," opener James Vince said.
"All we can do is control what we can and Adelaide are obviously just behind us so hopefully they slip up and we can get a good win against the Renegades on Saturday.
"Finishing second just gives you one more crack at it. Quite important but we've done all we could (on Thursday) to try and get there."
Thursday's defeat leaves the finals hopes of sixth-placed Brisbane hanging by a thread.
Paceman James Pattinson knows his teammates have to rediscover their form for their final two matches away to the Stars and Renegades in Melbourne to have any chance of reaching the finals.
"We've got to win, that's just how it is," said Pattinson, who top-scored in Brisbane's 8-126 with an unbeaten 27.
"We'll go out there and now we've got to win games there's nothing to lose."
Australian Associated Press
