KFC BBL|10

A return to the cricket field marked a semblance of normal following the COVID-19 pandemic that had affected the entire world some months prior.

While crowds were heavily restricted, teams forced to play 'home' games at 'away' venues, travel significantly pared back and a full reignition of major events still some time away, a full season to commemorate 10 seasons of the BBL was still able to be run, complete with several new rule changes to add a further tactical element to the game.

Most notable was the introduction of an 'X-Factor' player, who could be injected into a game as a tactical substitute at any point after the 10th over for any player yet to bat or bowl. The six-over 'Power Play' to start games was also split to feature a two-over 'Power Surge', while a 'Bash Boost Point' to further teams' advances up the ladder was also introduced, which was awarded to the side who had scored the most runs at the 10-over mark of their innings.

Even though travel was notably impacted during the season and in the months prior, it didn't hinder the competition's international recruits from having an impact. Sydney Thunder's Alex Hales piled on 110 off just 56 deliveries against the Hurricanes on the way to a club-record score of 232, Danny Briggs put on a 61-run 10th wicket stand to almost nab an unlikely win for the Strikers, while the Sixers' Jason Holder's match-winning six off the second-last ball against the Renegades spelled not only an emphatic triumph, but a win that would prove pivotal in his side securing top spot.

With the Bash Boost point buoying their successful campaigns (with a whopping 36 and 32 points respectively), the Sixers and Scorchers unsurprisingly were left to battle it out for championship glory for the third time in their history.

With thanks to a stunning 95 runs from England recruit James Vince, the Sixers secured their third championship to square the ledger between the two fierce BBL rivals and add another chapter to the ever-growing rivalry.