In the inaugural match of the Big Bash League Sydney, Thunders defeated city rival Sydney Sixers by 36 runs. Thunder’s captain Michael Hussey, 40, played blitzkrieg 59 ball 80 run innings while two all-rounders Andre Russell and Shane Watson grabbed three wickets each. A solid team performance helped Thunder to humiliate their rival.

Thunder captain Hussey winning the toss opted to bat first. They scored 158 in 20 overs. Sixers, when came to chase the target, lost their first wicket in the form of Brad Haddin. After the fall of the first wicket Thunder bowlers never let them gain composure.

Twitter salutes to Hussey innings and appreciated Thunder’s victory:

All smiles in the comm box tonight. Who’s enjoying having the @bbl back in prime time?! #BBL05 pic.twitter.com/icBVTjyajI

— TEN Sport (@tensporttv) December 17, 2015

Mike Hussey still better than anyone at taking the temperature of an innings and setting the tempo. As reliable as a Swiss watch! #BBL05

— Alt Cricket (@AltCricket) December 17, 2015

It is CRAZY that Andre Russell in world-beating form only gets a handful of balls to turbo-charge a middling innings. #BBL05

— Alt Cricket (@AltCricket) December 17, 2015

@Bozz51 Kallis has got a case of the Gladstone Smalls #BBLT20

— Glenn Hampson (@Glenny3972) December 17, 2015

Loving the helmet cam on Brad Haddin. Visuals from the thick of the action #BBLT20

— Gaurav Kapur (@gauravkapur) December 17, 2015

So glad Bbl is back. Time for some quality cricket. Can’t watch the first few games but still following it #BBLT20

— vbscorpion (@vbscorpion77) December 17, 2015

Setting the standard for #BBL05 – check out this brilliant one-handed catch from a fan: https://t.co/nVA5VTph1W pic.twitter.com/VfiJnoHD9g

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) December 17, 2015

Now I’ve seen everything big dougie hits a six #BBL05 @tensporttv

— Jason Byrnes (@hrtjasedarwin) December 17, 2015

Doug the Rug goes the distance! And didn’t he love that! 9-119 LIVE: https://t.co/VIzv1JIQKK #BBL05 pic.twitter.com/670L4kK6zt

— FOX SPORTS Cricket (@FOXCricketLive) December 17, 2015

People said Doug would never have hair again, he proved them wrong! People Said Doug can’t win from here, will he prove them wrong? #BBL05

— Oddschecker Au (@OddscheckerAu) December 17, 2015

Great first up result for the @ThunderBBL tonight. Much more depth to the squad this year will see them be the big improvers in #BBL05

— Duane Dowell (@DuaneDowell) December 17, 2015