Rachael Haynes' first half-century of this summer's women's Big Bash League has powered the Sydney Thunder to a comfortable six-wicket win over Hobart.
After dismissing the Hurricanes for 135, Australian vice-captain Haynes whacked an unbeaten 68 from 48 balls to help the Thunder to the target with 20 balls to spare.
The Thunder opener 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.
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Forced to travel to Perth after finishing second last season, the Thunder are desperately in the hunt 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.
"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.
