Georgia Voll shines with the ball as Sydney Thunder clinch victory

Anika Learoyd carved out a career-best innings as Sydney Thunder started their WBBL campaign with a convincing six-wicket win over Melbourne Renegades in the season opener.

In the first match of a double-header at Junction Oval on Thursday, Georgia Voll caused the most damage with her offspin, and Learoyd struck out 48 times out of 37 balls.

After Voll hit 25 off 18, including Thunder's only six of the match, in the first drop, Learoyd and Heather Knight put on 62 in a third-wicket partnership that won the match. Thunder was within striking distance of victory thanks to the pair's 28 runs during the power surge.

With 18 balls remaining, Knight and Nadine de Klerk guided their team home to complete the task.

Learoyd acknowledged being "really nervous" batting near the top of the order, but a strong start to the season will give him confidence.

Learoyd stated to Fox Cricket, "Probably a little bit of belief, I think." "It's not always something I'm great at, so it's really nice to feel like I can put the scores on the board, and I hope that will help me believe I'm good enough to do it," says "It's not always something I'm great at."

Earlier, Voll's four wickets and run-out hand were crucial in limiting Renegades to 138 for 9 in 20 overs.

"She wasn't bad, was she? The true allrounder," Learoyd said. "She's been someone who I think is a really good contributor to our group with both bat and ball, and in the field as well. It was wonderful to see her launch a successful campaign.

Renegades opener Hayley Matthews gave her side a strong start with the bat, blasting 45 from 30 balls before holing out in the deep.

Matthews and Courtney Webb scored 56 runs for the first wicket, and Georgia Wareham took advantage of a 19-ball 23 to ruin their chances. In the 17th and 18th overs, Renegades went 5 for 2 in seven balls as Voll wrecked havoc.