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The Women’s Premier League (WPL) is almost here again, and fans are getting ready for a run-fest. The 2026 season feels different. With superstar Ellyse Perry unfortunately out and Meg Lanning moving to a new team, the race to be the top run-scorer, the winner of the prestigious Orange Cap, is wider open than ever before.

Also Read: 'Best team in the world': Smriti Mandhana highlights WPL’s big role in India’s next mission

Who has the best chance of topping the charts this year? Here are our top five picks to score the most runs in WPL 2026.

1. Nat Sciver-Brunt (Mumbai Indians)

You simply cannot start this list without the defending champion. Nat Sciver-Brunt is an absolute powerhouse for the Mumbai Indians. She won the Orange Cap last year with a massive 523 runs and is currently the highest run-scorer in the entire history of the WPL. She scores quickly and consistently. Until someone stops her, she remains the favourite.

2. Meg Lanning (UP Warriorz)

The "Megastar" has a new home. The winner of the very first Orange Cap in 2023 has shocked everyone by moving to captain the UP Warriorz. Lanning is a master at building an innings without taking wild risks. She will be determined to show that a change in jersey won’t stop her from dominating the run charts again.

3. Smriti Mandhana (Royal Challengers Bengaluru)

Smriti is the heartbeat of RCB and a crowd favourite. This season, her role is even bigger. With Ellyse Perry missing the tournament, the pressure is squarely on Captain Mandhana to lead from the front. She needs to anchor the innings and stay at the crease longer. If she finds her rhythm early, she can easily top the table.

4. Beth Mooney (Gujarat Giants)

Beth Mooney is incredibly reliable. As the opening batter for the Gujarat Giants, she is the backbone of their lineup. She has a special knack for scoring heavy fifties, getting set and making sure she gets a big score. She doesn't just attack; she plays smart cricket, making her a constant threat in the run-scoring race.

5. Laura Wolvaardt (Delhi Capitals)

Watching Laura Wolvaardt bat is pure joy; her technique is flawless. She is coming into the WPL carrying amazing form from her heroic performances in the recent World Cup. Now fully established as a key opener for Delhi Capitals, her classy, consistent batting style makes her a very strong contender to score heaps of runs this year.