Thu Oct 31 09:58:37 UTC 2024: ## Hobart Hurricanes Start WBBL 2024 with a Win over Sydney Thunder
Hobart Hurricanes kicked off their WBBL 2024 campaign with a convincing 31-run victory over the Sydney Thunder at home. The Hurricanes, led by a breezy half-century from Nicola Carey, posted a challenging total of 141/7.
Carey’s 38-ball 52, which included five boundaries, was crucial in setting up a solid platform for the Hurricanes. She found crucial support in partnerships with Danni Wyatt-Hodge and captain Elyse Villani. Despite a double strike from Samantha Bates, who ended with figures of 3-20, a late flourish from Tabatha Saville (23* off 16) helped the Hurricanes reach a respectable total.
The Thunder’s chase got off to a disastrous start, losing their opener Chamari Athapaththu off the first ball. Lauren Smith then struck twice in the PowerPlay, reducing the Thunder to 38 for 4. However, a blistering 51 off 39 balls from rising star Phoebe Litchfield, with five fours and a six, brought the Thunder back into the contest.
Just when it seemed the Thunder were on the verge of pulling off an unlikely victory, Heather Graham struck twice in the same over, dismissing Litchfield and Sammy-Jo Johnson. The Thunder lost their momentum, losing their last six wickets for just 20 runs to succumb to a 31-run defeat.
Graham finished with figures of 3-19, while Smith took 2-17. The victory marks a positive start for the Hurricanes, while the Thunder will be looking to bounce back in their next match.
First Piper 