Rachael Haynes has powered the Sydney Thunder to their fifth straight Rebel WBBL win, with a comfortable six-wicket victory over Hobart.

After dismissing the Hurricanes for 135, Australia vice-captain Haynes hit her first half-century of this summer's tournament as the Thunder chased down the target with 20 balls to spare.

Haynes survived a dropped chance on the boundary on one and a near run-out on 32, but was otherwise dominant down the ground at Spotless Stadium in her unbeaten 68 from 48.

She hit nine boundaries and one maximum in her return-to-form, sounding an ominous warning for the Thunder's chief rivals.

Opening partner Rachel Priest also whacked 22 from 11 and Naomi Stalenberg 19 from 13, as the Thunder ensured they would go to the halfway point in the competition two points clear at the top of the ladder.

Renee 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.