The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 season has once again highlighted the incredible rise of aggressive, fearless batting in women’s T20 cricket. With packed stadiums, record-breaking chases, and standout individual brilliance, this season was a celebration of consistency at the top of the order. Several batters have not only dominated the scoreboard but have also shaped the momentum of their teams with impactful innings under pressure.
From composed anchors to explosive power-hitters, the leading run-scorers of WPL 2026 have brought variety and excitement to the tournament. In this article, we take a closer look at five batters who have defined the season with their performances, analysing their numbers, match influence, and overall impact while highlighting key WPL 2026 stats, top run-scorers, and standout moments.
Smriti Mandhana – 377 runs
Smriti Mandhana’s 2026 campaign has been a perfect example of elegance meeting efficiency. Leading the WPL 2026 run charts with 377 runs in nine innings at an impressive average of 53.85 and a striking strike rate of 153.25, Mandhana has set the tone for the champions side Royal Challengers Bangalore Women at the top of the order. Her ability to dominate the powerplay while maintaining composure against spin has made her one of the most consistent openers this season. What stands out is not just the volume of runs but the rhythm she maintained throughout the tournament, three half-centuries and a highest score of 96 showcasing her knack for converting starts into match-shaping innings. With 57 fours and nine sixes, Mandhana has blended timing with calculated aggression, often taking control when RCB needed stability.
Harmanpreet Kaur – 342 runs
Harmanpreet Kaur’s campaign was built on authority and leadership. Scoring 342 runs from eight innings at a remarkable average of 68.40 and a strike rate above 150.66, she delivered impactful knocks that shifted momentum in crucial phases. With three not-outs highlighting her finishing ability, Harmanpreet has embraced the role of an experienced middle-order anchor who can accelerate when required. Her highest score of 82* exemplifies her composure under pressure, the kind of innings that steadies a chase while keeping the scoreboard ticking. What makes her season special is the balance between control and aggression; 36 boundaries and 13 sixes reveal a batter who knows when to attack and when to guide the innings.
Nat Sciver-Brunt – 321 runs
Nat Sciver-Brunt delivered a season that perfectly captures the modern T20 all-rounder’s mindset, fearless, adaptable, and incredibly efficient. Amassing 321 runs in seven innings at an average of 64.20 with a strike rate of 151.41, she was a reliable pillar in Mumbai Indians Women’s batting lineup. Her unbeaten century remains one of the defining innings of WPL 2026, demonstrating her ability to control an innings from start to finish. Sciver-Brunt’s game awareness is evident in the way she rotates strike and punishes loose deliveries, reflected in her 48 boundaries alongside timely finishing bursts. What truly separates her from many is her adaptability across match situations, whether stabilising after early wickets or accelerating in the death overs.
Lizelle Lee – 320 runs
Lizelle Lee’s calm leadership and technical brilliance translated into consistent runs for Delhi Capitals. With 320 runs from ten innings at a strike rate of 139.13, Lanning has provided stability at the top, often laying the foundation for the middle order to capitalise. While her strike rate might appear slightly lower compared to some of her contemporaries, her value lies in constructing innings with precision and understanding match tempo. Two half-centuries and the highest score of 86 highlight her ability to anchor the innings during challenging phases. Lee’s 46 fours and 11 sixes reflect a classical yet effective approach, finding gaps, rotating strike, and accelerating when the situation demands.
Laura Wolvaardt – 317 runs
Laura Wolvaardt’s presence in Delhi Capitals Women’s lineup has brought a touch of grace and composure to the WPL 2026 season. Scoring 317 runs across ten innings at an average of 45.28, she has quietly delivered match-winning contributions while complementing Lanning at the top. Known for her elegant strokeplay, Wolvaardt has balanced aggression with timing, maintaining a strike rate of 135.47. Her highest score of 77 and a blend of boundaries, 31 fours and eight sixes, underline her ability to build innings patiently before accelerating. One of the standout aspects of her campaign has been her consistency in partnerships, often ensuring Delhi Capitals maintain a steady platform through the middle overs.
The WPL 2026 season has showcased a fascinating mix of leadership, adaptability, and fearless stroke play through its top run-scorers. From Smriti Mandhana’s elegant dominance to Harmanpreet Kaur’s authoritative finishes, and from Nat Sciver-Brunt’s all-round brilliance to the composed consistency of Meg Lanning and Laura Wolvaardt, each player has contributed a unique narrative to the tournament. Their performances not only underline the rising standards of women’s franchise cricket but also highlight how diverse batting styles can coexist successfully in T20 formats.
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