Strikers entertain despite abandonment

The KFC T20 Big Bash League match between Adelaide Strikers and Sydney Thunder at Adelaide Oval has been abandoned because of heavy rain.

Alex Ross's impressive 30 not out from 11 balls had guided the strikers to 5-119 from their rain-reduced 10 overs, and Sydney were 18 without loss from just one over when play was finally stopped for good.

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Alex Ross impressed with his hitting // Getty Images

Both sides collect a point from the match, which guarantees Adelaide a finals berth. The Thunder's hopes of finals action remain slim.

"It's disappointing for both teams," Strikers coach Darren Berry said.

"I'm sure the Thunder will be disappointed: they would've wanted a short game tonight with the rain."

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Ross starred for the Strikers with a knock that included four sixes, combining with skipper Johan Botha to put on 22 runs in the final over.

Adelaide opener Craig Simmons survived a dropped catch on his way to 21 runs before he was eventually was caught by Daniel Hughes off Chris Tremain's delivery as the visitors slowed the Strikers' run rate.

Ryan Ten den Doeschate entered the fray and belted Tremain for two sixes in the same over to kick-start a mid-innings revival for the Strikers, including sending one into the Chappell Stand.

Jono Dean chipped in with seven runs while Travis Head smashed a four and two sixes to finish with 18 runs from his spell in the middle.

But the star of the innings was Ross, who smashed Ian Moran for two sixes with his opening two deliveries.

Ross helped the Strikers hit three more sixes in the final over of the shortened innings, while Johan Botha was not out for 12.

Watch highlights of Ross's innings

Sydney's best with the ball was Gurinder Sandhu, who collected 1-7 from his two overs, while Tremain collected two wickets and Moran and Josh Lalor one each.

For Sydney, Jason Roy looked like he was going to help steer the visitors and give Adelaide's total a nudge with 14 runs from the first over.

He smashed Kane Richardson for a six from the opening delivery, before consecutive fours helped push their tally to 0-18 before the match was abandoned.

The Thunder only faced six balls but they made the most of them, blasting 18 runs off Kane Richardson's over