The Strikers upset the ladder-leading Hobart Hurricanes in Launceston on Thursday, chasing down the target of 170 with 13 balls to spare.

Weatherald smacked 82 from 42 balls, while Carey hit 54 from 35 to breathe new life into the Strikers' season.

In pursuit of Hobart's 7-169, the openers combined for a century stand that included 86 runs off the first six overs

Weatherald had a reprieve on 30 when he was dropped by Jofra Archer at mid-off.

Carey was dismissed caught-and-bowled by Simon Milenko in the 10th over and Weatherald holed out three overs later but by then the damage had been done.

"They just looked on a mission tonight and reminded us of last year," Strikers' skipper Colin Ingram said of the pair.

"To see two exciting players together like that, it really got us pumped up again."

Jonathan Wells (19 not out) and Ingram (two not out) guided Adelaide home.

The seven-wicket win means the Strikers are just two points behind the Melbourne Stars in fourth spot and remain a mathematical chance of making the finals with two games to play.

The Hurricanes posted 7-169 after being sent in to bat at UTAS Stadium, with skipper Matthew Wade top scoring with 88 off 54 balls.

Hobart looked on track for a massive total in front of a home crowd of 13,846 but stumbled late, losing 5-19 within the final four overs.

Ben Laughlin (3-31) was the pick of the Adelaide attack, while Afghan spinner Rashid Khan and Michael Neser picked up two wickets each.

"The guys with the ball in the last six overs were unbelievable. That was the standard last year," Ingram said.

Wade shared a 59-run opening stand with D'Arcy Short, who was caught at cover off Laughlin for 26 from 19 balls..

Wade was dropped on 40 in the outfield by Neser off Laughlin and also skied a ball on 86 that should have been taken before being trapped in front by Laughlin the next ball.

The Hurricanes, who are a win clear atop the table, have now lost two of their past three matches.

Australian Associated Press