The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) became the first team to officially secure a direct spot WPL 2026 Final. After a a dominant eight-wicket win on UP Warriors On January 29 Smriti Mandhana– The leading side finished the league campaign at the top of the table.
RCB advances to WPL 2026 final
With 12 points from 8 matches and a superior Net Run Rate of +1,247, no team can regain their position at the top. It marks a significant milestone for the franchise, which showed consistency after a record-breaking six-game winning streak earlier in the season. Fans can now look forward to the Red and Gold brigade fighting for the title on February 5 in Vadodara. Grace Harris and Nadine de Klerk have played an important role in this journey, the latter currently wearing the Purple Hat.
WPL 2026 playoff qualification scenarios for DC, MI, GG and UPW
1. Gujarat Giants (GG)
The Giants are currently in the driver’s seat for second place 8 points from 7 matches. Their fate is entirely in their own hands as they prepare for their final league game Mumbai Indians. A win would take them to 10 points and guarantee them a spot in the Eliminator regardless of other results. Even if they lose, they can still qualify, even if the margin of defeat is small enough to keep their NRR above the chasing pack.
- Current status: 2nd Position (8 points, NRR -0.271)
- It should be done: Beat MI on January 30 to secure a place in the play-offs.
- Refund: If they lose, they’ll have to hope DC loses to UPW to stay in the top three.
2. Mumbai Indians (MI)
The reigning champions find themselves in a do-or-die situation 6 points from 7 matches. Their healthy positive NRR (+0.146) is their biggest asset in a potential tie-breaker scenario. Must beat MI to qualify Giants of Gujarat to reach 8 points in their last game and give them a breakthrough in the NRR. Defeat will leave them locked on 6 points, leaving them in the penultimate position UP Warriors defeats Capitals of Delhi.
- Current status: 3rd position (6 points, NRR +0.146)
- It should be done: Beat Gujarat Giants to reach 8 points.
- Refund: If they lose, they need DC to lose their last game heavily to stay 3rd in NRR.
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3. Delhi Capitals (DC)
Delhi Capitals are currently 4th 6 points from 7 matches and they feel hot after recent losses. Their last league match is on February 1 against UP Warriorz and they need to win to reach 8 points. As their NRR is currently negative (-0.164), they should not only win but also hope that the outcome of the GG vs MI match will go in their favour. If both MI and DC win, it will be a three-way NRR battle at 8 points.
- Current status: 4th Position (6 points, NRR -0.164)
- It should be done: Defeat UP Warriorz and improve their NRR significantly.
- Scenario: If MI loses to GG, they will benefit more as a win will secure 3rd place for DC.
4. UP Warriors (UPW)
It’s under the table with the Warriorz 4 points from 7 matches and face the steepest uphill. After their heavy loss to RCB, their NRR fell to -1.146, making the top three mathematically difficult but not impossible. They need to beat Delhi Capitals by a huge margin to reach 6 points and hope Mumbai Indians lose their last game by an equally huge margin. Their qualification depends on numerous results going their way and a miraculous change in NRR.
- Current status: 5th position (4 points, NRR -1.146)
- It should be done: Beat Delhi Capitals by a huge margin on February 1st.
- Addiction: GG need MI to lose and hope NRR swings to overcome a huge deficit.
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This article was originally published here WomenCricket.coma Cricket Times company.
