The Adelaide Strikers have heaped more misery on the struggling Sydney Thunder, powering to a 51-run victory in the Twenty20 Big Bash League match at ANZ Stadium.

With Michael Klinger top-scoring with 60, the Strikers made an imposing total of 6-177 after being sent in to bat by Thunder skipper Chris Rogers.

And the bottom side were never in the hunt, being bowled out for 126 in the penultimate over.

Former Australian Test speedster Shaun Tait made a welcome return to the Adelaide Strikers line-up for the first time this season, generating good pace in taking 3-22 off three overs.

The Thunder's listless start to their innings was epitomised by Chris Gayle's uncharacteristically slow 8 from 19 balls.

Only a seventh-wicket partnership of 51 between Ryan Carters and Scott Coyte saved the Thunder from more embarrassment after they crashed to 6-64.

Sydney were eventually dismissed for 126 in the 19th over, with Coyte top-scoring with a breezy 33, including two sixes.

Earlier, Adelaide built a highly competitive score based on a strong opening partnership of 81 between Klinger and Tim Ludeman.

Klinger top-scored with 60 off 46 balls.

Fellow opener Ludeman struck 46 off 39 balls, while Nathan Reardon smashed 42 off just 20 deliveries.

Despite the run-fest, Thunder paceman Dirk Nannes impressed to take 4-17 off his allotted four overs.

It was the third successive loss for Sydney Thunder to start the season, with their winless run now stretching to eight matches.

Adelaide have won two of their opening three games to sit second on the BBL table behind the Melbourne Renegades.