Match between Hobart Hurricanes and Adelaide Strikers abandoned due to rain Alex Hales belted 49 runs before rain ended the match at Blundstone Arena. THE world's No.1 Twenty20 batsman Alex Hales lived up to his reputation by blasting 49 from just 19 balls in Adelaide Strikers' rain-marred Big Bash League clash with Hobart Hurricanes. Englishman Hales smacked nine fours and a six to help the Strikers bolt out of the blocks at Blundstone Arena in a match reduced to eight overs-a-side before rain caused it to be abandoned. The 24-year-old took full toll of all-rounder Evan Gulbis's only over, cracking four boundaries and the six after he was dropped by a diving Ben Laughlin when on 33. He infuriated Hobart paceman Doug Bollinger (0-21 from two) when he top-edged two hook shots to the boundary in the fourth over. Hales had Adelaide rocketing along at more than 16 per over before he was run out attempting to reach one of the quickest fifties in BBL history. The visitors finished at 1-87 from six overs, opener Michael Klinger unbeaten on 32 (17) and Phil Hughes 0 (0). The weather denied Hurricanes fans their only chance to see skipper George Bailey in action after he was released from the Test squad to play. Persistent drizzle mean the the game was delayed by around an hour-and-a-half and reduced to eight overs per side. Bailey had won the toss and sent the Strikers in, but only on the second attempt. A local child's guest toss went straight to ground but was won by Strikers skipper Johan Botha before Bailey threw the coin in the air. Relive the action live in our live blog below!