Rachael Haynes has powered the Sydney Thunder to their fifth straight women's Big Bash League win, with a comfortable six-wicket victory over Hobart on Monday.
After dismissing the Hurricanes for 135, Australian vice-captain Haynes hit her first half-century of this summer's tournament as the Thunder chased down the target with 20 balls to spare in the Christmas Eve clash.
Heavy hitter: Rachael Haynes goes over the top against the Hobart Hurricanes at Manuka Oval.Credit:AAP
Haynes survived a dropped chance on the boundary on one and a near run-out on 32, but was otherwise dominant down the ground at Spotless Stadium in her unbeaten 68 from 48.
She hit nine boundaries and one maximum in her return-to-form, sounding an ominous warning for the Thunder's chief rivals.
Her knock wasn't without its chances, dropped on the boundary on one and surviving a near run-out on 32.
But still, it helped the Thunder to their fifth straight win and kept them two points clear at the top of the ladder at the halfway mark of the competition.
Forced to travel to Perth after finishing second last season, the Thunder are desperate for a home city semi-final under the competition's new finals rules this summer for the top-placed team.
"If we play finals there are still eight games to go," Haynes said.
Opening blast: Rachel Priest crashes a ball to the boundary.Credit:AAP
"It's a long competition and I think our team learnt last year as well it's a little bit like survival of the fittest, you've got to be playing good cricket at the back end.
"But I think our team is really well placed there."
Rene Farrell had earlier been their best with the ball, claiming 2-20 as the Hurricanes were fast out of the blocks through Smriti Mandhana (35 from 22) but fell apart late.
England captain Heather Knight also contributed 35 from 33, but the Hurricanes lost 5-8 in just 14 balls with two Nicola Carey direct-hit run outs swinging the momentum in the hosts' favour.
Haynes' opening partner, Rachel Priest, whacked 22 from 11 and Naomi Stalenberg 19 from 13, as the Thunder ensured they would go to the halfway point in the competition two points clear at the top of the ladder.
Renee Farrell had earlier been their best with the ball, claiming 2-20 as the Hurricanes were fast out of the blocks through Smriti Mandhana (35 from 22) but fell apart late.
England captain Heather Knight also contributed 35 from 33, but the Hurricanes lost 5-8 in just 14 balls with two Nicola Carey direct-hit run outs swinging the momentum in the hosts' favour.
AAP
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