Thursday's Big Bash League clash between the Sydney Sixers and the Hobart Hurricanes was abandoned as much-needed heavy rain fell in eastern Australia.

The Sixers were 45-2 after being put in to bat by the Hurricanes, with Josh Philippe going for seven when he was stumped off a Clive Rose delivery.

James Vince scored just one run before he was caught behind, and a promising Daniel Hughes and Moises Henriques partnership was curtailed when the covers came on at approximately 1940 local time.

With no let-up in the conditions, the match was called off and the points split between the teams, although the rain will come as welcome relief to eastern states ravaged by recent bushfires.

The Sixers are second in the standings, while the Hurricanes are down in ninth.