Hurricanes no match for Thunder despite WBBL veteran’s one-handed stunner

Not even one of the greatest catches in WBBL history could save the Hurricanes as the Thunder avenged Monday night’s loss in Hobart to pick up their first victory of the season.

Not even one of the greatest catches in WBBL history could save the Hurricanes as the Thunder avenged Monday night’s loss in Hobart to pick up their first victory of the season with a 33-run win in a rain-affected match at North Sydney Oval.

A trademark Sydney downpour an hour before the scheduled start meant play was pushed back by 25 minutes, with the game reduced to 17 overs per team.

But the fans who stayed were rewarded when Hurricanes spinner Molly Strano held onto an absolute screamer off her own bowling, with the veteran sticking out her right hand and holding onto the ball as it threatened to scream past her just a few centimetres off the ground.

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Thunder opener Chamari Athapaththu could hardly believe her eyes as she was forced to walk off for a fluent 38 after she was given a life on four and was then stumped off a free hit.

As good as the catch was, Strano endured a tough night with the ball which saw her concede 41 from her three overs, including 20 off the power surge as English veteran Heather Knight paced the innings with 48 off 28.

Her knock helped the home side post 5/146 from their 17 overs, with the Hurricanes never really looking like reeling in the target as Hannah Darlington (3-16) kept them on the back foot with constant breakthroughs.

SCARY CAREY COPS THUNDERBOLT

Nicola Carey picked up the big wicket of Phoebe Litchfield, but it wasn’t all treats for the Hurricanes all-rounder who was tricked in the second innings by a brilliant one-two punch from Shabnim Ismail.

The South African quick softened her up with a bouncer which smashed into her helmet which caused play to be stopped for a couple of minutes.

The follow-up delivery was even better with Carey stuck on the back foot and dragging a 121 km/h rocket back onto her stumps.

Heather Graham gave the visitors a glimmer of hope with a quick fire 31 off 20, but her departure in the 14th over was the beginning of the end for Hobart who could only muster 8/113.

DOUBLE DELIGHT

The Thunder won’t have long to celebrate their win, with the women in lime green back in action today as part of a double-header at North Sydney Oval.

They face defending champions the Adelaide Strikers in the first game at 3.45pm before the Sixers take on the Stars, with superstar wicketkeeper Alyssa Healy a chance of returning from the foot injury that prematurely ended her World Cup.

Healy missed the first two games of the WBBL but has been included in the 13-woman squad for the showdown with the Stars.