Despite a dazzling lone hand from Adelaide's Suzie Bates, Sydney Thunder have cruised to a six-wicket win over the Strikers at Bellerive Oval in Hobart.
Despite struggling with injury, the powerful opener carried her bat for 79 not out off just 60 balls on Saturday in a Strikers' total of just 132.
The Thunder were without rested Australian vice-captain Rachael Haynes but had no trouble mowing down the target, posting 4-134 off 17.3 overs.
Their innings was built around a whirlwind 74-run, third-wicket between Rachel Priest and Harmanpreet Kaur.
Priest remained unbeaten on 58 off 46 balls, including two sixes.
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Kaur was even more dynamic, scoring 33 off 22 balls, with the Indian international displaying some clean hitting to clear the rope on three occasions.
The Strikers lost wickets at regular intervals throughout their innings against disciplined bowling and some superb catching, notably from Belinda Vakarewa and Kaur.
Aside from Bates, tailender Alex Price (13) was the only other batter to reach double figures, with the Strikers dismissed off the final ball of their innings.
Opening bowler Rene Farrell secured the best figures with 3-12 off her allotted four overs, while legspinner Maisy Gibson continued to impress with 3-23.
Defeat leaves the Strikers with just one victory from four outings, while the Thunder sit at the top of the standings with three wins from four matches.
