WPL 2025: Lanning's Courageous 92 Guides DC to 177/5 Against Giants

Synopsis
In Match 17 of the WPL, Meg Lanning scored a stunning 92 runs, guiding the Delhi Capitals to a total of 177/5 against the Gujarat Giants. This performance solidified her place in WPL history, marking her ninth half-century and reclaiming the lead for most runs in the tournament.
Key Takeaways
- Meg Lanning scored 92 runs, marking her highest in WPL.
- This match was played at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium.
- Delhi Capitals set a target of 177/5.
- Gujarat Giants need to win remaining matches for playoffs.
- Shafali Verma contributed significantly with 40 runs.
Lucknow, March 7 (NationPress) Meg Lanning achieved her best performance in the Women’s Premier League, scoring a phenomenal 92 off 57 balls, leading the Delhi Capitals to a total of 177/5 in 20 overs against the Gujarat Giants during Match 17 at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium on Friday.
This marked Lanning’s ninth half-century in the WPL, setting a record for the most fifties in the tournament’s history. Furthermore, the Australian opener reclaimed the top position for the most runs in WPL history, surpassing her compatriot Ellyse Perry.
The Gujarat Giants opted to field first after winning the toss, banking on their strong power-play bowling and their exceptional record in the tournament. Lanning and Shafali Verma, recognized as the most successful opening partnership in WPL history, began aggressively.
Shafali was nearly dismissed early on as a half-chance slipped through the hands of Bharti Fulmali, who chased the ball to the boundary, inadvertently kicking it for a four. The duo dominated the opening overs, reaching 51/0 by the end of the powerplay.
Shafali received another chance when Tanuja Kanwar failed to grab a lofted straight drive.
With another century partnership on the horizon, Shafali fell short of her seventh WPL half-century, dismissed for 40 by Meghna Singh. A slower delivery led to her miscue, resulting in a catch at deep mid-wicket.
Jess Jonassen, who has excelled since moving up the batting order, was looking solid until Deandra Dottin took her wicket, leaving the stumps shattered.
The pressure mounted on Delhi’s batting lineup as Jemimah Rodrigues continued her poor run, falling for just four runs. She was Meghna’s second victim of the night, chipping a full-length delivery straight to Gardner at mid-off.
Annabel Sutherland also failed to make an impact, caught on the boundary by Dottin, marking Meghna's third wicket.
Lanning and Marizanne Kapp pushed the score past 170, but Lanning fell short of her maiden WPL century, out for 92 with just one ball left.
The Gujarat Giants must win their remaining two matches, including this one, to qualify for the playoffs. A victory would eliminate the UP Warriorz from contention.
Brief scores:
Delhi Capitals 177/5 in 20 overs (Meg Lanning 92, Shafali Verma 40; Meghna Singh 3-35, Deandra Dottin 2-37) vs Gujarat Giants