Cricket: Former Australian international Dan Christian smacks second-fastest half-century in Big Bash League history

Former Australian international Dan Christian hit the second-fastest half-century in Big Bash history as his Sydney Sixers scored a 38-run win over the Adelaide Strikers.

The 37-year-old smashed five sixes in 15-balls, lifting the Sydney to a daunting 177/5 at Hobart's Blundstone Arena.

The all-rounder also chimed in with the key wicket of Strikers' dasher Phil Salt on a night to remember for the BBL veteran.

Christian came to the wicket with eight overs to go with the Sixers struggling at 58-3, on a pitch that favoured the bowling side early. 

The powerful right-hander made a mockery of the BBL's X-Factor initiative, ploughing 22 of debutant's Liam Scott's first over, minutes after he was subbed into the match.

His 16-ball innings was the impetus for a stunning finish for the Sixers, who blazed 125 from their final 60 balls, setting the Strikers 178 for victory on a tough wicket. 

Despite a promising start, wickets fell regularly through the first 10 overs of Adelaide's reply, and they finished 139/7 from their allotted 20 overs. 

Christian's knock was second to only West Indian great Chris Gayle, who smashed a 12-ball half-century during BBL05.

"Knowing we still had a few guys in the sheds, I went out and played some shots,” Christian said.

"It was a bit of a gamble but it paid off.

"I feel like I'm in a good place. As long as your eyes don't go, and mine haven't yet, I feel like having that extra year experience again - you can tend to see what's coming."

The win lifts the Sixers to third on the ladder, while the Strikers remain fourth.