WPL 2026: Meg Lanning becomes third batter to cross 1,000 runs mark
Navi Mumbai, Jan 14
Former Australia cricketer and UP Warriorz captain Meg Lanning became the third cricketer in the Women's Premier League 2026 to cross the 1,000-run mark in the tournament in the seventh match against Delhi Capitals at the Dr. DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.
Lanning is now part of an elite group with her landmark achievement, along with England's Nat Sciver-Brunt and India Captain Harmanpreet Kaur, as these three batters have been the definition of greatness in terms of consistency, impact, and success during the brief but amazing history of WPL (Women's Premier League).
Lanning's total of runs (1,050) ranks her amongst the top scorers ever in WPL, with only Sciver-Brunt (1,101) above her and Harmanpreet (1,016) closely trailing behind. Australia's Ellyse Perry(972) and Shafali Verma (887) make up the top five, showing the level of play and talent WPL is becoming known for shortly after its inception.
The 33-year-old Lanning, a right-handed batter and a right-handed medium pacer, achieved this milestone through three extremely successful years in charge of the Delhi Capitals (DC) from 2023 through 2025, where she led DC to a record of consistently finishing as runners-up each year. As an individual player, Lanning had an outstanding performance in the first season of WPL, which included 345 runs with a strike rate of 139.11, including two half-centuries, and was one of the major influences in setting up the success of her team, DC.
Lanning, who made her international Test debut in August 2013, continued and had similarly great performances in the next two seasons, totalling 331 runs(2024) and 276 runs(2025). She was released by DC before WPL 2026 and subsequently acquired by UP Warriorz, who appointed her as the team captain for the ongoing season. Lanning
The WPL 2026 began on January 9 and will run till February 5, with the summit clash slated to be played at the BCA Stadium (Kotambi) in Vadodara.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Fantastic consistency from Lanning. But honestly, my heart is with our Indian players. Harmanpreet Kaur is right there in the top three! That's the real story for me. 🇮🇳 Hope Shafali Verma breaks into the 1000-club soon too.
DC made a big mistake letting her go. Three finals with her as captain and they release her? UP Warriorz's gain is definitely Delhi's loss. Her leadership is as valuable as her batting.
As a cricket fan living in India now, the WPL has been a revelation. Seeing these world-class athletes like Lanning, Sciver-Brunt, and our own Harmanpreet compete week in and week out is brilliant for the women's game globally.
Respect to Lanning, she's a champion. But the article could have highlighted the Indian talent more. Perry and Verma are in the top five, but where is Smriti Mandhana? The focus sometimes feels too much on overseas players, even in our own league.
The growth of WPL in just a few years is phenomenal. These milestones show the quality is top-notch. My daughter now wants to be a cricketer because of heroes like these. That's the real win. 👏
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.