The Thunder's Big Bash League clash with Adelaide Strikers was abandoned on Saturday night when thick smoke, created by bushfires, blew over Manuka Oval.

The ladder-leading Thunder, set a target of 162, reached 1-40 when umpires stopped play because of concerns about visibility and poor air quality.

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The chase was halted after 4.2 overs, meaning the points were split as BBL rules dictate a minimum of five overs is required in the second innings to constitute a game.

The Thunder, including former Orange District Cricket Association player-of-the-year Chris Tremain, were comfortably ahead of the adjusted target, essentially falling four balls short of victory.

With the prospect of future BBL games and indeed the Sydney Test being affected by smoke, Bond suggested there were no easy answers for CA. Air Quality Index (AQI) data is a form of quantitative analysis that can help officials assess the health risk in such situations.

But in terms of concerns about visibility, which Bond suggested was the umpires' main concern in Canberra, it is obviously far more subjective.

"You've got to respect that. It's the same with rain, they make a call and you're never going to make everyone happy," Bond told reporters.

"It was worse for us (that they didn't complete the fifth over) but that's the nature of the game ... the umpires make the decision.

"It's brand new, how do you put protocols in place ... what's an appropriate level of haze or smoke to play in It's really, really hard.

"For Cricket Australia it's a challenge. There's a Test match coming up, we'll be back here, we've got games in Sydney coming up - I'm not quite sure what the process and protocols are going to be."

Bond noted it was important to maintain perspective about the Thunder being denied a likely victory.

"Some people in the wider area are going through some horrific times," he said.

"Some people (fans at Manuka) have needed medical attention."