Carey fifty sets up Hurricanes win over Thunder

Nicola Carey's half-century set Hobart Hurricanes on their way to a 31-run win over Sydney Thunder in the Women's Big Bash League.

The Australia left-hander made 52 from 38 balls as Hurricanes posted 141-7 after being put in to bat.

England opener Danni Wyatt-Hodge made a run-a-ball 18 before being dismissed by compatriot Georgia Adams, while left-arm spinner Samantha Bates took 3-20 for Thunder.

The visitors overcame a poor start to their chase thanks to Phoebe Litchfield's 51 from 37 balls 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 Athapaththu was lbw to Molly Strano from the first ball of the Thunder chase, they slumped to 38-4 when Adams was bowled by Chloe Tryon in the seventh over.

Litchfield kept them in contention as she put on 52 for the fifth wicket with Anika Learoyd but the pair fell in quick succession and Hobart quickly ran through the lower order to go top of the WBBL after the opening round of fixtures.

"It was an interesting game, we got off to a good start with the bat but then fell away a bit in the middle," Graham said.

"But we were able to come out and take a wicket first ball, which is always an amazing feeling, then we were able to peg everyone else back apart from Litch.

"It was a key wicket to get. It was a really good team effort tonight, everyone chipped in."