Lanning Shines, Yet Her WPL Team Faces Another Defeat
In a gripping encounter on Wednesday, former Australian captain Meg Lanning showcased her batting prowess, scoring her record-equalling 10th half-century in the 2026 Women’s Premier League (WPL). However, her team, the UP Warriorz, faced another setback, suffering a last-ball defeat against the Delhi Capitals at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.
Lanning’s Stellar Performance
Lanning achieved a notable milestone, compiling 54 runs off 38 balls. This performance brought her total WPL run count to over 1000, making her only the third player to reach this impressive feat, following England’s Nat Sciver-Brunt and India’s Harmanpreet Kaur.
Controversial Decisions Impact the Game
The match turned dramatically in the 17th over when the Warriorz made a controversial decision to retire batting stalwart Harleen Deol, who was at 47 runs off 36 balls. She was replaced by Chloe Tryon, known for her powerful hitting. Unfortunately, Tryon’s performance fell short, scoring just one run off three balls.
- Harleen Deol: 47 runs off 36 balls
- Chloe Tryon: 1 run off 3 balls
This tactical decision scrutinized by fans and commentators alike, ultimately led to the Warriorz only managing to reach 154 runs after being well-set at 141 runs with three wickets down.
Delhi Capitals’ Fightback
In response, the Delhi Capitals struggled initially, requiring six runs off the final six balls. Opener Lizelle Lee played a crucial role, scoring 67 runs off 44 deliveries. With nerves running high, Marizanne Kapp’s leg bye brought the scores level, setting the stage for Laura Wolvaardt to secure the win with a stylish drive.
WPL Standings After the Match
| Team | Matches Played | Wins | Losses | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4 |
| Mumbai Indians Women | 4 | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| Gujarat Giants | 3 | 2 | 1 | 4 |
| Delhi Capitals Women | 3 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| UP Warriorz | 4 | 1 | 3 | 2 |
Despite Lanning’s individual success, the UP Warriorz remain winless in the tournament, currently sitting at the bottom of the standings. As they prepare for their next match against the Mumbai Indians, Lanning will be eager to reverse her team’s fortunes and finally notch a victory in the ongoing season.
