Hobart Hurricanes 5 for 125 beat Sydney Thunder 9 for 106 (Graham 3-15, Strano 3-18) by 19 runs

Hobart Hurricanes have staked their claim as one of the WBBL's most reliable sides with the ball, defending 125 to beat the Sydney Thunder by 19 runs at Blacktown.

With three of the tournament's leading wicket-takers in its history in their team, Hurricanes restricted Thunder to 9 for 106 from their 20 overs in both side's opening game of the competition.

They did so on a slow and tacky wicket that suited their attack, as the Thunder spluttered through their 20 overs and never got beyond a rate of a run-a-ball after the fourth over.

What is evident is the depth of talent the Hurricanes now have in their attack after luring Heather Graham south during the off-season.

Nicola Carey on Friday became the sixth player in WBBL history to reach 100 wickets, claiming the key scalp of Rachael Haynes for 5 to bring up the mark. In doing so, she joined fellow Hurricanes players Graham and Molly Strano in an elite group.

Strano was the pick of the bowlers for Hurricanes, removing Tammy Beaumont early before later picking up danger-women Chloe Tryon and Sammy-Jo Johnson in the same over.

Graham finished with 3 for 15, trapping Phoebe Litchfield lbw for 25 in what proved to be the key wicket of the afternoon.

Replays showed the ball may have been headed down legside, but WBBL rules dictate player reviews are not available for all matches.

Graham had earlier played a crucial role late in the Hurricanes' innings, hitting 17 from 15 balls to lift them to a competitive score.

Mignon du Preez (33) and Rachel Trenaman (31) had set the tone for Hurricanes with a 49-run third-wicket stand, with the latter providing the shot of the day with a six inside-out over mid-off against finger-spinner Sam Bates.