CALLUM Ferguson top scored for Sydney Thunder but his fine efforts were in vain as Adelaide Strikers triumphed by 20 runs in the latest Big Bash encounter.

The Worcestershire batsman went in at number three and made 47 off 39 balls with one six and four boundaries.

But the Thunder fell short of their 176 target and were restricted to 155-6 in their 20 overs

Ferguson went to the wicket at 39-1 and was eventually sixth out to Peter Siddle in the 18th over with the total on 140.

The 34-year-old went for a big hit against an awkward full toss and was caught on the deep mid wicket boundary.

Ferguson looked back at the square leg umpire in the hope that a no ball might be called for height but the delivery was deemed to be legitimate.

Earlier, the Strikers had totalled 175-4 in their 20 overs.

Colin Ingram (75 off 43 balls with six sixes) and Alex Carey (59) added 75 in nine overs for the second wicket.

Ferguson is due to link up with Worcestershire on May 1 and is expected to be available for most of next season.

The right-hander played white-ball cricket for the Rapids last term but in 2019 he will feature in all formats as the club's main overseas player.