Heavy smoke has denied Sydney Thunder a Big Bash League victory over Adelaide Strikers, with their chase halted in Canberra after 4.2 overs because of concerns about air quality and visibility.

The ladder-leading Thunder, set a target of 162, reached 1-40 when umpires stopped play at Manuka Oval last night. The match was abandoned soon after, meaning the points were split as Big Bash League rules dictate a minimum of five overs is required in the second innings to constitute a game.

The Thunder were comfortably ahead of the adjusted target, essentially falling four balls short of victory