WBBL 2024: Nicola Carey leads Hobart Hurricanes to victory over Sydney Thunder

Nicolas Carey’s half-century set the Hobart Hurricanes on course for a 31 victories over Sydney Thunder in the Women’s Big Bash League.

The Australian left-hander made 52 off 38 balls as the Hurricanes posted 141-7 after being put into bat.

England opener Danni Wyatt-Hodge hit 18 before being run out by compatriot Georgia Adams, while left-arm spinner Samantha Bates took 3-20 for the Thunder.

The visitors overcame a poor start to their chase thanks to Phoebe Litchfield’s 37-ball 51, but collapsed again after she departed and were bowled out for 110.

All-rounder Heather Graham was the pick of the Hurricanes bowlers, taking 3-19.

After Chamari Atapattu was lbw to Molly Strano off the first ball of the Thunder’s chase, they slumped to 38-4 when Adams lost Chloe Tryon in the seventh over.

Litchfield kept them in contention when she put on 52 for the fifth wicket with Anika Leroyd, but the pair fell quickly and Hobart made a quick run through the lower order to climb to the top of the WBBL after the first round of fixtures.

“It was an interesting game, we started well with the bat but then fell a bit in the middle,” Graham said.

“But we were able to come out and get the first ball in the goal, which is always a great feeling, and then we were able to beat everyone else except Leitch.

“It was a key wicket. It was a really good team effort tonight, everyone chipped in.”