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Dan Christian has whacked the second quickest half-century in BBL history to set up the Sydney Sixers' 38-run win over Adelaide Strikers at Blundstone Arena.

Veteran Dan Christian hit the second fastest half-century in Big Bash League history and nabbed a breakthrough with the ball as the Sydney Sixers claimed a 38-run win over the Adelaide Strikers.

The all-rounder's brutal 50, which included five sixes, came off just 15 deliveries as the Sixers posted 5-177 at Blundstone Arena on Sunday night.

He returned to pick up Phil Salt with his third ball and nip a promising Strikers' start in the bud.

Christian came to the crease with the Sixers 3-58 at the start of the 12th over after they struggled early on a nippy pitch.

He hit 22 off one over by debutant Liam Scott, who was subbed in as an X-factor player at the 10-over mark.

Christian fell to a top edge off Wes Agar one ball after notching his milestone.

Only Chris Gayle's half-century off 12 balls in BBL05 has been faster.

"Knowing we still had a few guys in the sheds, I went out and played some shots," the 37-year-old Christian said.

"It was a bit of a gamble but it paid off.

"I feel like I'm in a good place. As long as your eyes don't go, and mine haven't yet, I feel like having that extra year experience again ... you can tend to see what's coming."

Adelaide's chase got off to a quick start courtesy of Salt and Jake Weatherald, who paired up for 52 inside five overs.

But Christian broke the stand and finished with 1-25 as the Strikers limped to 7-139.

Seamer Dan Worrall had the ball talking early for the Strikers after they elected to field, taking 2-12 off four straight overs that included 18 dot balls.

For the second time in as many matches, Adelaide opted to substitute out English spinner Danny Briggs.

Under new rules this summer, teams can replace a member of their starting XI at the 10-over mark provided they have not batted or bowled more than one over.

Briggs had sent down one over for a respectable five runs and could have dismissed James Vince had wicketkeeper Alex Carey nailed a simple stumping.

His replacement, Scott, went for 28 off his two overs as Christian took the long handle to the attack.

Coach Jason Gillespie said the decision to replace Briggs was made to bolster the side's batting on a deck not offering much for spin.

"We'll look back on it to see if we could have done anything different but we're comfortable with the decision," he said.

"We knew what (Christian) was coming in to do, to tee-off, and it went his way.

"That changed the momentum of the game, it was a fantastic knock."