The BBL final will be one of contrasts. On the one hand you have the powerful Perth Scorchers who, barring the occasional blip, have looked the best team (again) this season. On the other, you have Brisbane Heat who were bottom on January 14 but have now strung together seven wins in eight matches to reach the final - their first since 2012-13 - the hard way from the Eliminator, Knockout and Challenger.

It would, however, still be a huge victory against the odds if they were able to claim the title at the Optus Stadium, although there are some uncanny similarities with their previous success when they had overcome Scorchers in Perth after finishing fourth in the regular season.

Scorchers' depth has always been one of their standout traits, but it has been on display more than ever this season. For various reasons they lost all their initial overseas signings, but secured some shrewd replacements - particularly Stephen Eskinazi and David Payne - even as their local resources have stood up, with Ashton Turner reaffirming his standing as both captain and batter. They have not had Mitchell Marsh all season, while Jhye Richardson has missed the latter half of the tournament, but they still secured straight passage into the final.

Although Michael Neser got Heat across the line in the Challenger against Sydney Sixers in Sydney, they will likely need at least one of their top order batters to produce a substantial innings if they are to prevail. A lot could rest on Sam Hain - who is unlucky not to be in England's white-ball squads - and the captain Jimmy Peirson.

The final will unfold in front of a bumper crowd. It is on track to be a sellout for the Optus Stadium's first BBL decider, with upwards of 53,000 people. Expectedly, there won't be many cheering for Heat.

(With inputs from agencies)