Sydney Thunder hit Sixers for record BBL score as Alex Hales smashes whirlwind century

Englishman Alex Hales’s brutal century has inspired Sydney Thunder to a record BBL total and a 46-run win over ladder-leaders Sydney Sixers.

The Thunder posted 5-232 with Hales smacking eight sixes and nine fours in a stunning 110 from 56 balls at Adelaide Oval on Friday night.

The Sixers fell well short in reply, managing 5-186, but still hold a four-point buffer from second-placed Perth Scorchers.

The Thunder’s total surpassed the BBL’s previous highest innings — the Hobart Hurricanes’ 8-223 in January 2017.

And the victory, which includes a bonus point, lifts the Thunder from fifth to third spot, with two games remaining before the finals.

The Thunder (27 points) jump the Melbourne Stars (fourth, 24 points) and Adelaide Strikers (fifth,…