A bizarre and heartbreaking moment unfolded during the Women’s Premier League clash between Gujarat Giants Women and UP Warriorz Women as Meg Lanning suffered an incredibly unlucky dismissal. Just as the Warriorz captain looked set at the crease, an accidental ricochet off her own thigh guard sent the ball crashing into the stumps, cutting her innings short in stunning fashion.
UP Warriorz were chasing a competitive target and had already lost an early wicket, putting pressure on their top order. Lanning, alongside Phoebe Litchfield, began to rebuild the innings with a steady partnership that briefly swung momentum in their favour. The pair looked composed, raising hopes of a successful chase before fate intervened.
The delivery that dismissed Lanning was not especially threatening, drifting down the leg side. As she attempted to play the ball, it clipped her thigh guard and took an unexpected deflection. In a cruel twist, the ball rolled back onto the stumps, dislodging the bails and leaving Lanning frozen in disbelief.
The reaction was instant and emotional. Lanning stood momentarily stunned, clearly struggling to process what had just happened, before walking off visibly shattered. Players on the field and spectators alike were left surprised by the sheer improbability of the dismissal.
— Symonds (@Symonds716624) January 22, 2026
Fans quickly took to social media, expressing shock and sympathy for the veteran batter. Many called it one of the unluckiest dismissals seen in the tournament, while others pointed out how moments like these underline the unpredictable nature of the game, especially in the fast-paced T20 format.
The dismissal proved to be a turning point in the match. UP Warriorz failed to regain momentum and eventually fell well short of the target, while Gujarat Giants sealed a commanding victory. Despite the result, the match will be remembered most for Lanning’s freak dismissal — a rare reminder that even the most accomplished players are not immune to cricket’s cruel twists.