In a bittersweet performance during the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026, UP Warriorz captain Meg Lanning reached a significant personal milestone even as her team fell short in a high-octane clash against the Gujarat Giants. The Australian legend’s composed innings propelled her past her compatriot Ellyse Perry on the WPL’s all-time run-scorers list, bringing her within striking distance of the current record holder, England’s Natalie Sciver-Brunt .
This achievement underscores Lanning’s enduring class and consistency in the shortest format, cementing her status as one of the most prolific batters in the history of the WPL. Let’s dive deep into this landmark moment and what it means for the rest of the tournament.
During her knock in the match against Gujarat Giants, Meg Lanning WPL crossed the career tally of 478 runs previously held by Ellyse Perry in the league . This moved her into second place on the official WPL all-time run-scorers chart. Her ability to accumulate runs at a steady clip, even under pressure, is a testament to her technical mastery and mental fortitude.
Lanning’s innings was a masterclass in calculated aggression. She anchored the UP Warriorz chase with a mature 43 off 34 balls, showcasing her trademark cover drives and intelligent placement . While her dismissal ultimately derailed the chase, her contribution was pivotal in keeping her team in the hunt against a massive target of 208.
The backdrop to Lanning’s record was a thrilling contest. Chasing 208, the UP Warriorz were given a flying start by young Phoebe Litchfield, who blazed an incredible 78 off just 40 balls . However, once Litchfield and Lanning were back in the hut, the middle order crumbled under pressure from Georgia Wareham and the Gujarat Giants’ bowlers.
The Warriors finished at 197/8, falling agonizingly short by 10 runs . It was a classic case of a brilliant individual effort—both from Litchfield and Lanning—not being enough to overcome a collective batting masterclass from the opposition.
The WPL, though only in its third season, has already seen some legendary performances. The race for the most runs is incredibly tight among the game’s elite. Here’s a snapshot of the current top of the leaderboard:
| Rank | Player | Team(s) | Total WPL Runs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Natalie Sciver-Brunt | Royal Challengers Bangalore | 508 |
| 2 | Meg Lanning | Delhi Capitals, UP Warriorz | ~485* |
| 3 | Ellyse Perry | Royal Challengers Bangalore | 478 |
*Estimated based on latest match data .
As the table shows, Lanning is now just 23 runs behind Sciver-Brunt. Given her form and the number of matches remaining in WPL 2026, there’s a very real possibility she could claim the top spot before the season ends.
Meg Lanning’s success isn’t confined to the WPL. She has been a cornerstone of T20 franchise leagues worldwide, including the WBBL in Australia where she led the Melbourne Stars to multiple finals . Her leadership and batting have consistently lifted her teams, making her one of the most sought-after players in the women’s game.
Her move from Delhi Capitals to UP Warriorz ahead of WPL 2026 was seen as a major coup for the franchise. Her experience was expected to guide a relatively young squad, and her ascent up the runs chart is proof that she’s delivering on that promise [INTERNAL_LINK:wpl-team-preview-up-warriorz].
With UP Warriorz having several matches left in the league stage, Lanning has ample opportunity to overhaul Sciver-Brunt’s tally. To do so, she’ll need to average around 25 runs per match over the next two games—a feat well within her capabilities.
Several factors are in her favor:
Meg Lanning’s rise to second on the WPL all-time run-scorers list is more than just a statistic—it’s a reflection of her sustained excellence and unwavering quality in high-pressure environments. Even in defeat, she continues to set benchmarks. With the gap to the top spot narrowing, all eyes will be on the UP Warriorz captain to see if she can etch her name at the pinnacle of the WPL runs chart. One thing is certain: in the world of women’s T20 cricket, Meg Lanning remains a force to be reckoned with.
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