Ellyse Perry shattered records and etched her name among the greats of women’s cricket on Monday, becoming the leading run-scorer in the history of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) during the Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) match against UP Warriorz at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Perry’s remarkable unbeaten 90 runs led her team to post 180 runs, eclipsing Meg Lanning’s previous record of 782 runs to become the first player to surpass the elusive 800-run mark, with her career tally within the league now standing at 805 runs.
The Australian all-rounder’s historic innings not only turned heads but also displayed her exceptional consistency throughout the tournament. With her average now sitting around 60 and her strike rate exceeding 130, Perry has secured her status as WPL’s premier run-getter after just 21 matches. Prior to Perry’s milestone, Lanning, who played 22 matches, amassed 782 runs at an average of 39.10, with seven half-centuries under her belt.
Perry’s performance was the cornerstone of RCB’s innings after they lost early wickets, stabilizing the side with her power-hitting and strategic batting. Support came from English international Danielle Wyatt-Hodge, who contributed significantly with her own impressive 57 runs off 41 balls. Together, their partnership forged a solid foundation for RCB, guiding them from 42/1 at the six-over mark to 180 runs for 6.
Against the backdrop of her record, Perry’s achievement is comparable to another RCB legend, Virat Kohli, who has been the leading run-scorer in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Kohli has smashed 8004 runs during his prolific career with RCB, which highlights the team’s legacy of cultivating exceptional batting talent both among men and women.
During Monday’s match, Perry got off to a cautious start before finding her rhythm. Her knock was marked by several boundaries, including a towering six over long-on and several deft touches to deftly manipulate the field placements, showcasing her versatility as both a power hitter and tactical player.
The match saw RCB face some initial scares, losing key players early on. After Wyatt-Hodge’s dismissal which ended their promising 94-run partnership, the pressure seemed to build. Yet, Perry remained undeterred, taking charge of the innings as she accelerated past the 80-run mark. Her boundary-laden assault on the UP Warriorz bowlers crafted the platform for RCB’s formidable score.
Perry’s half-century, which came off just 50 balls, equaled Lanning’s record for most fifty-plus scores (seven) in WPL history. Perry matched this feat and expanded her legacy simultaneously, demonstrating her exceptional talent and determination on the field. Even as wickets continued to fall around her, Perry held firm, turning potential setbacks for RCB back to momentum, keeping up her aggressive batting style till the very end.
Interestingly, Perry's achievements extend beyond just batting; she has also contributed with 11 wickets at this stage, proving her all-round capability. She was retained at the recent WPL auction for ₹1.70 crore, underscoring her value to the franchise, especially after leading them to their first title last season and collecting the Orange Cap as the top scorer.
This season’s performance seems to align Perry solidifying her legacy as not just Australia’s sporting star but also as the defining player of the WPL. Her capped success echoes her history within cricket — winning eight World Cups across different formats attests to her bloody experience and immense skill.
Her historic outing has shone the spotlight not only on her individual prowess but how pivotal she is to RCB's fight for supremacy within the Women’s Premier League. The match building tension and anticipation as Perry danced around various deliveries, scoring from both boundaries and singles, set the tone for RCB’s ultimate victory as they looked determined to retain their title.
Ellyse Perry continues to remain at the forefront of women’s cricket, her record-setting performance serving as both inspiration and affirmation for aspiring players globally. RCB and its legions of fans can celebrate her achievements, celebrating once again how her spirit, hard work, and talent have pushed the boundaries of what is possible, making history for Canadian cricket.