Thunder post record WBBL score to earn win

Sydney Thunder have survived a spirited run chase and a contentious umpiring decision to win the first WBBL match of the season.

Thunder briefly owned the competition's highest ever team score of 6-200, before it was eclipsed a few hours later by cross-town rivals Sydney Sixers.

Australian captain Rachael Haynes (55 of 41) and Naomi Stalenberg (38 off 25) triggered the fightback and run frenzy with a partnership of 77 off 7.2 overs.

They were dismissed within the space of three balls but Thunder's batting pyrotechnics became even more explosive in the closing overs.

Nicola Carey (47 off 17) and Rene Farrell (25 off 13) closed the innings with a spectacular boundary-laden partnership of 83 off 29 balls.

Jess Duffin (81 off 47 balls) had the Renegades in contention for an improbable victory, as the target was reduced to 28 off 17 balls.

However, she was confirmed caught by the third umpire at short third man off a reverse sweep.

Replays cast some doubt on the catch taken by Thunder fielder Lisa Griiftih, but the Renegardes chase faltered against good bowling at the death from Farrell and Stafanie Taylor.

Australian representative Duffin (nee Cameron), who also plays for Colingwood in the AFLW, was dipolmatic about the match-turning decision.

"I don't really want to get myself in trouble, but they sent it upstairs for a reason," Duffin said.

Carey initially thought Duffin was out but them admitted to uncertainty.

"Everyone went back to their positions so I thought maybe 'Ok, it's not out'," Carey said.

"Then when it came up as out on the board, everyone was shocked.

"So we'll take that, because we got Jess out and she was on fire. So we were lucky to get that one."

Carey thumped nine fours and a six in her explosive cameo, though she was refreshingly honest about her ball striking.

"The first 10 balls I faced I don't reckon I hit any out of the middle," Carey said.