Ricky Ponting wound back the clock to crack 63 runs from 45 balls and lead the Hobart Hurricanes to 4-177 in the Big Bash League (BBL) clash with the Sydney Thunder at Bellerive.

Ponting, who turned 38 last week, put on 111 with opening partner Tim Paine (40 from 34) after the Hurricanes were sent in by Thunder captain Chris Rogers.

The former Australian captain reached his 50 from 36 balls with a huge six over midwicket off the bowling of Azhar Mahmood (0-44), the shot coming after consecutive fours.

With superb placement rather than brute power, Ponting hit seven fours and two sixes to get the home side off to a bright start on Sunday afternoon.

It was squandered, though, when Paine and Travis Birt (0 from 4) were both out with the score on 111 in the 14th over bowled by young legspinner Adam Zampa (3-26).

Birt was furious at his dismissal and replays indicated he might not have nicked the ball to Thunder keeper Ryan Carters.

Aiden Blizzard (9 from 9) smashed Zampa for a huge six over midwicket in the 15th but was out next ball when he skied a ball to Rogers.

Englishman Owais Shah (26 from 16) and skipper George Bailey (30 from 13) salvaged the situation for the Hurricanes with a stand of 54.

Showman Chris Gayle earned the ire of a big Hobart crowd when he half-threatened a Mankad runout, then stood with arms extended gesturing to the grandstand.

The match looms as a season-definer for both sides, with Hobart 1-2 and the Thunder yet to notch a BBL victory this season.