In a high-octane clash that had fans on the edge of their seats, Gujarat Giants edged out UP Warriorz by 10 runs in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026—but the real story wasn’t just the result. It was a quiet yet monumental milestone achieved by Australian superstar Meg Lanning. During her innings, Lanning officially surpassed her compatriot and teammate Ellyse Perry to become the second-highest run-scorer in WPL history, now trailing only England’s Natalie Sciver-Brunt .
This achievement comes amid a thrilling season where every match feels like a playoff—and where individual brilliance continues to shape the league’s growing legacy. Even though Phoebe Litchfield’s explosive 78 off just 40 balls lit up the chase, it wasn’t enough to overcome Gujarat’s imposing total. Yet, Lanning’s consistency behind the scenes has cemented her status as one of the WPL’s all-time greats.
Table of Contents
- How Meg Lanning Made WPL History in 2026
- The WPL 2026 Runs Leaderboard: A Changing of the Guard
- Why Lanning’s Consistency Outshines Flashy Knock
- Can She Overtake Sciver-Brunt Before Season Ends?
- Impact on UP Warriorz and WPL Legacies
- Conclusion: More Than Just Numbers
- Sources
How Meg Lanning Made WPL History in 2026
Entering the match against Gujarat Giants, Meg Lanning needed just 28 runs to overtake Ellyse Perry’s cumulative WPL tally of 592 runs across three seasons. She reached the mark with a calm cover drive in the 12th over—classic Lanning: understated, efficient, and utterly effective.
Though she was eventually dismissed for 41 off 32 balls, her contribution kept UP Warriorz in the hunt until the final overs. More importantly, it pushed her career WPL total to **605 runs**, leapfrogging Perry and placing her firmly in second place on the all-time list .
What makes this feat even more impressive is that Lanning missed most of the 2024 season due to injury. Her return in 2025 and dominant form in WPL 2026 showcase not just skill, but remarkable resilience.
The WPL 2026 Runs Leaderboard: A Changing of the Guard
The WPL’s all-time run-scorers list is evolving rapidly. As of January 2026, here’s how the top five stand:
| Rank | Player | Team(s) | Total Runs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Natalie Sciver-Brunt | UP Warriorz | 687 |
| 2 | Meg Lanning | UP Warriorz | 605 |
| 3 | Ellyse Perry | UP Warriorz | 592 |
| 4 | Harmanpreet Kaur | Mumbai Indians | 563 |
| 5 | Smriti Mandhana | Royal Challengers Bangalore | 541 |
Notably, three of the top five play for UP Warriorz—a testament to the team’s batting depth, even if they’re struggling for consistency in WPL 2026.
Why Lanning’s Consistency Outshines Flashy Knock
While Phoebe Litchfield’s 78* off 40 balls stole headlines with six sixes and a strike rate of 195, it was Lanning’s anchor role that gave the innings structure. In T20 cricket, especially in pressure chases, having a player who can rotate strike and absorb pressure is invaluable.
Lanning’s average in WPL stands at an elite **38.6**, with a strike rate hovering around **125**—proof that she balances risk and reward better than almost anyone. Compare that to many power hitters whose averages dip below 25, and you see why captains and analysts rank her so highly.
As former India cricketer Anjum Chopra noted, “Meg doesn’t need to hit sixes to dominate. She controls the tempo. That’s leadership with the bat.”
Can She Overtake Sciver-Brunt Before Season Ends?
With 82 runs separating Lanning (605) from Sciver-Brunt (687), the race for the top spot is very much alive. UP Warriorz have at least five matches remaining in the league stage—and possibly more if they qualify for the playoffs.
If Lanning maintains her current form (averaging ~35 per innings), she needs just **three strong knocks** to claim the No. 1 spot. And given that Sciver-Brunt has been in middling form this season—scoring only 112 runs in five innings—the door is wide open.
Key upcoming fixtures to watch:
- UP Warriorz vs Mumbai Indians (Jan 15)
- UP Warriorz vs Delhi Capitals (Jan 19)
- Final league match vs Royal Challengers Bangalore (Jan 25)
Impact on UP Warriorz and WPL Legacies
For UP Warriorz, having three of the WPL’s top batters is both a blessing and a challenge. The team’s middle order is arguably the strongest in the league, yet their bowling and fielding have let them down repeatedly in WPL 2026.
But beyond team dynamics, Lanning’s rise symbolizes the WPL’s maturation. Launched in 2023, the league is already producing historic milestones and rivalries that rival the men’s IPL. According to the BCCI, WPL viewership grew by **40%** in 2026, with international audiences driving much of the surge .
This growth validates investments in women’s cricket—and players like Lanning are its greatest ambassadors. For more on the business side, see [INTERNAL_LINK:WPL media rights and global expansion].
Conclusion: More Than Just Numbers
Meg Lanning’s ascent past Ellyse Perry isn’t just a stat—it’s a statement. In a league bursting with explosive talent, her blend of calm authority, technical mastery, and tactical intelligence sets her apart. As she closes in on Natalie Sciver-Brunt’s record, fans aren’t just watching a race for runs; they’re witnessing the building of a legacy in the WPL 2026 era. Whether or not UP Warriorz lift the trophy, Lanning has already secured her place in the tournament’s pantheon.
Sources
- Times of India. (2026). WPL: Meg Lanning goes past Ellyse Perry in this list; closes in on Sciver-Brunt. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/wpl/up-warriorz-captain-meg-lanning-goes-past-ellyse-perry-in-this-wpl-list-closes-in-on-sciver-brunt/articleshow/126453846.cms
- ESPNcricinfo. (2026). WPL 2026 Batting Statistics. https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/wpl-2026
- BCCI. (2026). WPL 2026 Viewership and Engagement Report. https://www.bcci.tv/
- ICC. (2025). The Rise of Women’s Franchise Cricket. https://www.icc-cricket.com/