Carey and Graham star in Hurricanes' opening win

Nicola Carey's shift up the order and some clutch bowling from Heather Graham has propelled the Hobart Hurricanes to a 31-run WBBL win over the Sydney Thunder.

Hurricanes got their season off to the right start on Monday night, consigning Sydney to their fifth-straight loss at the recently re-named Ninja Stadium.  Carey top scored with 52 from 38 deliveries, including seven boundaries, batting at No. 3.

"I've had a few different roles with the bat over the last few years. It's nice to get a bit more time out in the middle," the allrounder told Fox Cricket, adding she was surprised when her coaches suggested she bat at No. 3. "I'm not someone who is going to clear the rope, so it might look a little bit different."

Carey also played an important role with the ball, getting rid of Thunder's second-highest scorer Anika Learoyd (29).

Learoyd had shared a 52-run partnership with 21-year-old skipper Phoebe Litchfield, who hit 51 and appeared on track to guide the Thunder home.

But Litchfield fell in the 14th over when stumped by swift work from Lizelle Lee off Graham.

Carey had to steady the ship when Lee departed in the second over after Hurricanes lost the bat flip and were sent in.

She came to life in the two-over power surge, hitting four boundaries to push the Hurricanes to 92 for 2 but was out shortly afterwards.

Her departure sparked a collapse of 4 for 12 with Samantha Bates and Sri Lankan star Chamari Athapaththu tightening the screws.

Sydney's chase got off to the worst possible start when Molly Strano trapped Athapaththu lbw on the first ball.

Thunder have a shot at revenge when they meet Hurricanes on Thursday night at North Sydney Oval.