Strikers to host semi-final on January 21

The Adelaide Strikers will host the first KFC Big Bash League semi-final next Thursday regardless of where they finish on the table, Cricket Australia has confirmed.

The Strikers' thrilling final-ball victory over the Hurricanes last night cemented their spot in the top two and the right to host a semi-final.

Because the BBL finals weekend is taking place at the same time as the final stage of the Tour Down Under cycling event in Adelaide, CA confirmed the Strikers would host the first semi-final on January 21.

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The decision means the second semi-final on Friday, January 22, will be played at either the WACA Ground or the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

The Perth Scorchers are currently in second spot and in the box seat to claim the crucial home semi-final, but the Melbourne Stars could overtake them if they defeat the Brisbane Heat tonight and then topple the Scorchers at #TheFurnace on Saturday.

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"We have been in discussions with the South Australian government and Network Ten around logistics of staging such a major Big Bash League match at the same time as the Tour Down Under in Adelaide," Head of the Big Bash League Anthony Everard said.

"Their feedback to us is to bump in any infrastructure as early as possible, so we have decided to schedule the Strikers home Semi Final on Thursday 21st January, irrespective of whether they finish the regular season first or second on the ladder.

"The support from the Adelaide public for their BBL club has been magnificent, including selling out their last three home matches. Last season the Strikers also set the then-BBL attendance record when they hosted their semi-final against the Sydney Sixers at Adelaide Oval.

"The other BBL clubs in contention to host the other semi-final have been supportive of this scheduling decision," Everard said.

The Tour Down Under will have its final stage through the heart of Adelaide, which includes a lap of the Adelaide Oval on Sunday, January 24, the same day as the BBL|05 final.

The event will not impact the Strikers' ability to host the final should they advance, as the necessary infrastructure will already be in place.

The highest-finishing qualifier will earn the right to host the final, meaning there is still plenty to play for when the Strikers – who currently sit on top of the table but could surrender that position to either the Stars or the Scorchers - take on the Melbourne Renegades at Etihad Stadium on Monday night.

Last year's final was played at Manuka Oval in Canberra.

All three previous finals were held at the WACA with the Perth Scorchers claiming top spot each season.

KFC Big Bash finals schedule

Thursday 21 Jan – BBL semi-final one – Adelaide Strikers v TBC, Adelaide Oval

Friday 22 Jan – BBL semi-final two – TBC v TBC, venue TBC

Sun 24 Jan – BBL Final – winner of semi-final 1 v winner of semi-final 2

All matches will be double-headers to the Rebel Women’s Big Bash League finals matches

Ticketing information

Semi-finals

Tuesday 19 January 10am – 12pm Members pre-sale

Tuesday 19 January 1pm – General public on-sale

Final

Saturday 23 January 10am – 12pm Members pre-sale

Saturday 23 January 1pm – General Public on-sale