Rishad’s Hobart first to reach playoffs

Rishad Hossain’s Hobart Hurricanes became the first team in the running Big Bash League (BBL) to progress to the playoffs after their match against Sydney Sixers ended in a no result due to incessant rain in Sydney today.

Sydney’s heavyweight opening pair of Steve Smith and Babar Azam had managed 32 runs off the first five overs when rain interrupted play and didn’t let it resume.

Rishad, who is the tournament’s most successful spinner right now with 11 wickets in nine games, did not get to bowl.

Both teams got one point each, and with it, Hobart’s tally increased to 13 points in nine games, with one match in hand, ensuring that the defending champions will play in the knockout stage.

Hobart, who are at the top of the points table at the moment, will face Brisbane Heat in their final group stage match on Wednesday. 

Rishad, in his maiden BBL season, has featured in all of Hobart’s matches so far.