Bates' re-signing comes after she was named in the WBBL's team of the tournament, thanks largely to the 15 wickets she's taken already this season.

The 28-year-old was part of the Thunder side which won the inaugural women's Big Bash, and can see similarities between that team and the 2020 version.

"I've been comparing it quite a bit actually, in [WBBL] 01 everything was exciting, it was new and it was fresh and we just got along really well," Bates said.

"This team definitely has the same vibe, I think we're a really close-knit team and I think we can go all the way gain.

"I'm just really excited that I am contributing to my team. Rene Farrell has been the leader in the bowling attack for so long now so it's really nice that I could probably not quite fill her position but come really close to that."

Containing Heat power hitter Laura Kimmince will be crucial in allowing the Thunder to advance to Saturday's WBBL final.

The 30-year-old has produced the fastest scoring season in the competition's history, going at a strike-rate of above 200 while still averaging 20.

It's also taken her to the top of the tree in terms of career strike-rates in WBBL, just pipping Hobart's Chloe Tyron and Sydney Sixers star Alyssa Healy.

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"I say it all the time: People don't want to come and watch me hit a single down to long-on six balls in a row," Kimmince said.

"I just go out there to try and make the game as entertaining as possible. At the end of the day we're just another form of entertainment."

Kimmince's sister Grace Harris has often earned the plaudits for her swashbuckling style, but this summer Laura has arguably outgunned her.

Her highlights this season have included a regular willingness to reverse sweep.

With AAP

Thursday: WBBL semi-final - Sydney Thunder v Brisbane Heat, North Sydney Oval, 7.10pm