India, March 16 -- It's rare to see Meg Lanning deflated in a dugout in a final. A serial winner with seven ICC titles - five as Australia skipper - Lanning isn't used to being second best. Yet, in the Women's Premier League, her team ending up as second-best has been the pattern.

Last year's defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the final left her in tears. This time, though heartbroken, she seemed to convey a sense of acceptance. But three consecutive final losses, despite finishing as table-toppers after the group games each time, will sting.

"We haven't been able to put our best performances on the board in the final, which is disappointing but that's cricket," said Lanning after the loss to Mumbai Indians on their home turf on S...