Hobart Hurricanes have secured a place in the playoffs after their match against Sydney Sixers was washed out by rain.
Persistent rain led to the abandonment of the game, forcing Hobart Hurricanes and Sydney Sixers to share points. As a result, the Hurricanes became the first team to confirm a playoff spot in this season’s Big Bash League, giving Rishad Hossain and his teammates an early qualification.
Only five overs were possible in Sunday’s match in Sydney, which also marked Steven Smith’s return. Smith and Babar Azam remained unbeaten in an opening stand of 32 runs.
The Sixers had been without Smith at the start of the tournament due to national duties. Fresh from scoring a century in the final Ashes Test, the Australian star made a confident return to domestic T20 cricket, scoring 19 off 16 balls with one four and one six. Babar, meanwhile, took 14 balls to score nine runs, including a boundary.
Rishad, who has been in excellent form, did not get a chance to bowl in the match. The Hurricanes leg-spinner has taken 11 wickets so far in his maiden Big Bash season. Among Hurricanes bowlers, only Nathan Ellis has more wickets, with 12.
Hobart Hurricanes have won six of their nine matches in the tournament. With the no-result against the Sixers, they sit at the top of the table with 13 points. Sydney Sixers are third with nine points from eight games.
Melbourne Stars are second with 10 points from eight matches, while five-time champions Perth Scorchers are fourth with eight points, having played one match fewer.
Hobart Hurricanes will face Brisbane Heat in their final league-stage match next Wednesday.
