by Mike Vimpany

James Vince launched his Australian KFC Big Bash League stint in blistering style with a quick-fire 44 which pointed Sydney Thunder to a crucial six-wicket win over Hobart Hurricanes in Tasmania.

The Hampshire captain opened the batting for the Thunder, who were asked to chase down the Hurricanes' 161-8 off 20 overs.

Vince smashed the first ball he received from left-arm spinner Clive Rose through the covers and went on to breach the boundary rope five more times, in addition to launching Dan Christian for a sumptuous straight six into a near capacity 18,000 crowd.

His 44 came off 27 balls - his innings ending when he was caught on the deep mid-wicket boundary.

Defending BBL champions Sydney Thunder eventually got home by six wickets with 19 balls to spare - one-time Hampshire all-rounder Shane Watson cracking a rapid 55 not out.

"James hit the ball beautifully," praised Watson. "He times the ball so sweetly and will be a great addition to our squad. We have to win our last two matches to stand any chance of qualifying for the semi-finals."

Dropped from Australia's 1-day squad for the upcoming five-match ODI Series against Pakistan, Hampshire's 2017 overseas signing George Bailey hit an unbeaten 59 for Hobart.