Former South African batsman Colin Ingram struck a half-century as the Hobart Hurricanes beat the Sydney Sixers by 16 runs in the opening match of the Big Bash League.

The Hurricanes batted first on Thursday in front of their home crowd after being sent in by the Sixers and found themselves in deep trouble early on when both openers Will Jacks and D’Arcy Short departed for ducks.

Ingram steadied the ship with a 55-run stand alongside Peter Handscomb before the latter walked for 24.

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Macalister Wright added only five as Ingram brought up a well-played half-century before departing for 55 off 42 deliveries in a knock that included seven fours and one six.

Tim David struck a quick-fired 58 off 33 deliveries down the order as the home side posted 178-8 in their 2o overs.

The Sixers made a composed start with a 116-run partnership for the third wicket between Jack Edwards and James Vince, but James Faulkner pinned them back with a couple of wickets.

The visitors fell behind the run rate and, when Vince was gone for 67, the target became difficult to reach with some tight bowling by the Hurricanes quicks towards the back end of the innings.

In the end, the Sixers managed only 162-6 in their 2o overs with Faulkner (2-22) and Riley Meredith (2-29) the pick of the bowlers.