Thunder captain Hussey scored an unbeaten 80 from 59 balls to lead Sydney Thunder to their first Sydney Smash with a convincing 36-run victory at Sydney's Spotless Stadium.

Winning the toss and deciding to bat, Thunder opened with Aiden Blizzard (12) and Jacques Kallis (15) but it was Michael Hussey who only needed 59-balls to reach his 80.

Shane Watson made a quick 16 while Ben Rohrer smashed two sixes as he made 30-runs before he was dismissed by Lawford (1-12). Andre Russell then faced five balls as he made a four.

The Sixers got off to a good start, with a 28-run partnership before Brad Haddin was bowled by Andre Russell for his first wicket as a Sydney Thunder player. Russell then yorked a second player, Nic Maddinson to reduce the Sixers to 2-37.

Only Botha and Bird were able to make it into double figures, with Russell finishing with 3-13, while Shane Watson collected figures of 3-13.

Sydney Thunder face the Melbourne Stars at the MCG on Sunday.