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New Delhi: Meg Lanning has always had a way of answering questions with the bat, and she delivered her clearest reply yet in the Women’s Big Bash League. A week after being released by Delhi Capitals ahead of the Women’s Premier League auction, the former Australia captain produced one of the finest knocks the competition has ever seen. Lanning’s knock of 135 off 74 balls for Melbourne Stars wasn’t just a big score; in fact, it was a statement.

The innings came after a period where some wondered whether franchises might hesitate to invest heavily in her again. Lanning responded by hitting a century mixed with clean hitting with the kind of composure that has defined her career. She drove, pulled and cut the Sixers apart, finishing with 22 fours and four sixes as the Stars stormed to 219 for 4.

One of the best we’ve ever seen!

Meg Lanning has her second BIG BASH CENTURY! #WBBL11 pic.twitter.com/MpHnBpoKLq

— Weber Women’s Big Bash League (@WBBL)

It was the third-highest individual score in WBBL history. Now she is only behind Lizelle Lee’s 150 not out and Grace Harris’ unbeaten 136. Though, more than the number it was the authority with which she played that turned heads.

The Stars’ total was their third-highest in WBBL history. It was built largely on Lanning’s dominance and a steady 50 from Rhys McKenna at the other end. The pair put on 159 for the opening stand, leaving the Sixers with no answers. Lanning’s 26 boundaries were the most ever struck in a single WBBL innings, another marker of how relentless she was throughout the night.

Even when she was eventually caught in the deep, she had already delivered her highest T20 score and one of the competition’s most commanding knocks.

Though released by Delhi Capitals but that doesn’t diminish Lanning’s standing. In fact with her current WBBL form it only makes her more appealing to teams looking for a leader who can anchor a batting lineup. She has already piled up 288 runs i four matches this season at a strike rate of 163, averaging at 96. Those are numbers that place her at the top of every scouting list heading into next week’s WPL auction.

Lanning has played many memorable innings across her career, but this one arrived at the perfect time, serving as a reminder that even after stepping away from captaincy duties, she remains one of the most reliable match-winners in the women’s game.