The Sydney Sixers have identified their looming Brisbane Heat double act as crucial for their BBL season, ahead of a big week in determining the competition's top two.
The Sixers face the undefeated Heat at the Gabba on New Year's Day, before a return clash between the two sides in Coffs Harbour on January 3.
The Sixers remain third on the BBL ladder after Saturday night's dramatic washed-out draw with the Sydney Thunder, after umpires stopped play one over short of a match being declared at Sydney Showground.
Ahead on the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern system at the time and with the Thunder behind on over-rates, the Sixers were frustrated at the decision to take players from the field after four overs.
But they know a crucial week looms in their campaign.
The BBL's revised system this season gives the top two a second chance come finals, while third and fourth are left to face off in an elimination final.
Wins in both matches would go a long way to securing a spot in the top two for either Brisbane and Sydney, after they also faced off in last year's finals.
"Our ambition is obviously to finish off the log," Sixers batter James Vince said.
"With Brisbane being where they are on the table at the minute, they're obviously two big games.
"They obviously finished the season strongly last year. They probably didn't play the best cricket last year but this year they haven't lost a game yet.
"They will be tough to play against, but we've been in this position before.
"We're used to finishing up the top of the table so we're confident if we turn up and play somewhere near our best cricket hopefully we can come away with the points.
"We've also got Melbourne Stars (on January 6) who beat us the other night, so three big games within a week that really shape our season."
Perth are the other team in the fight for a top-two spot, level with the Sixers on seven points and behind the Heat on nine.
With the halfway point of the BBL approaching, the Scorchers do not play again until Wednesday against Adelaide before they face the Strikers again on Friday.
The top three teams have opened a gap over the chasing pack, with the Strikers, Stars, Thunder, Melbourne Renegades and Hobart Hurricanes all appearing to be fighting off for the fourth finals spot.
