Sam Konstas hits fastest ever Thunder half-century on debut as Daniel Sams hits 31 runs off one over in thrilling finish

Teen prodigy Sam Konstas has broken a Sydney Thunder record on his Big Bash debut as his chased down a target of 183 during a thrilling finish.

Up against the Adelaide Strikers in Canberra, David Warner made his return to captaincy after his original ban following the ball-tampering scandal.

Jake Weatherald (40), Alex Ross (22), Jamie Overton (45no) and James Bazley (31) were the only players to score double figures but the Strikers managed to reach 8-182 thanks to 15 extras from the Thunder.

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Lockie Ferguson and Chris Green both claimed three wickets each but Nathan McAndrew (0-53) was particularly expensive.

Warner's first match of the Big Bash didn't go to plan during the chase, departing for seven after hitting a Henry Thornton delivery into the hands of Lloyd Pope.

Cameron Bancroft (6) was gone moments later but it was Konstas at the other end making a charge.

The 19-year-old scored the Thunder's fastest ever half-century, coming off 20 balls before he was gone for 56 with the score 3-71.

"Excellent innings, he'd be disappointed to get out but I think you've got to look at the positives, he's exceeded expectations in his first game," former Thunder captain Mike Hussey said on Fox Cricket.

Following Konstas' wicket, the Strikers continued to strike but were down one bowler after West Indian Fabian Allen left the field with a hamstring injury.

The Thunder with 12 balls to spare ended up needing 34 runs.

Leg-spinner Pope was selected to bowl, with Allen likely to have been given the job if he had been fit.

The bowling choice proved crucial with Daniel Sams hitting 31 runs off the penultimate over to leave the Thunder needing three runs off the final six balls.

McAndrew then departed for a golden duck before Ferguson hit one.

A waist-high no ball followed from Jamie Overton with one run needed.

"I can't believe how this has turned around, they were gone, the Thunder were gone," Brendon Julian said.

Sams then missed the free hit but hit the next ball for a single through point to secure a two-wicket victory.

"What a game, what a finish from Daniel Sams," Julian said.