WPL 2026: 4 Teams Battle for 2 Crucial Playoff Spots

By Govind Maurya

Published on: January 27, 2026

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The WPL 2026 season has reached a thrilling juncture. After 15 matches in the league phase, only Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have officially booked their place in the playoffs, leaving a four‑way battle for the remaining two knockout spots among Delhi Capitals (DC), Gujarat Giants (GG), Mumbai Indians (MI), and UP Warriorz (UPW). The drama intensifies with every run, and every result matters in this tight qualification scenario.

WPL 2026 Standings: Where Things Stand

Here are the latest standings shaping the playoff picture (post‑Match 15):

TeamPointsNet Run Rate (NRR)
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)10+1.236
Delhi Capitals (DC)6-0.169
Gujarat Giants (GG)6-0.341
Mumbai Indians (MI)4+0.046
UP Warriorz (UPW)4-0.769
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Note: RCB is already through, and the other four teams are all mathematically alive forthe two remaining top‑three spots.

Team‑by‑Team Playoff Scenarios

Royal Challengers Bengaluru – Already Qualified

RCB have been in outstanding form this season and became the first team to secure a playoff berth after a string of wins. With 10 points and a strong net run rate, they not only are through but also have a chance at a direct finals spot with one more win in their remaining fixtures.

Remaining Games:

  • vs MI
  • vs UPW

Even if RCB drops both games, their superior NRR keeps them in a strong position atop the table.

Delhi Capitals – Momentum on Their Side

Delhi Capitals currently sit second with 6 points, thanks to a big win over RCB that boosted their playoff chances substantially.

Path to Playoffs:

  • Win both of their remaining games — guaranteed qualification.
  • Win at least one match, and depending on other results, they can still slip through via net run rate.
  • A loss in both fixtures would thrust them into reliance on other teams dropping points.

Remaining Games:

  • vs GG
  • vs UPW

A victory over Gujarat will put them firmly in control of their destiny.

Gujarat Giants – Have to Fight Hard

Gujaratsitst equal with Delhi on 6 points but has a less favorable net run rate.

What They Need:

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  • Winning both of their remaining fixtures would almost certainly lock up one of the spots.
  • A split of results puts GG in a nerve‑wracking net run rate fight with DC, MI, and UPW.
  • Losses could end their hopes unless dramatic net run rate swings occur.

Remaining Games:

  • vs DC
  • vs MI

Mumbai Indians – Against the Odds but Still Alive

The defending champions are currently four pointsbehind and have shown flashes of brilliance (including a big recent win over RCB), but their playoff hopes rest on winning both of their remaining matches.

Key Notes:

  • MI has a better NRR compared to UPW, giving them a slight edge in tiebreak situations.
  • If MI loses tough games oor dropsbig margins, their path gets significantly harder.

Remaining Games:

  • vs RCB
  • vs GG

Winning against RCB and Gujarat could see MI leapfrog rivals — but it’s a tall ask.

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UP Warriorz – The Long Shot

UP Warriorz have the most uphill battle — four points and the worst net run rate among contenders.

Miracle Scenario:

  • Win both remaining matches and hope for a conspiracy of losses from at least MI and one of DC/GG.
  • Boost net run rate against RCB or DC and hope for big margins elsewhere complicatedlt.

Remaining Games:

  • vs RCB
  • vs DC

UPW must win both games and pray others slip — that’s the only realistic path.

Expert Insights & Scenarios Breaking Down the Math

Cricket analysts emphasize that this WPL season’s playoff race is one of the most evenly contested in recent memory. With only a few matches left and small margins separating teams, each result could cause a ripple effect across the standings.

Depending on how results unfold, we could see dramatic swings, last‑ball finishes, and thrilling net run rate finishes before the final round of league games concludes.

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What’s Next – Fixtures to Watch

As the league reaches its climax, these upcoming matches could dramatically shape the playoff picture:

  • DC vs GG: Huge implications for both teams’ futures
  • MI vs RCB: Can MI cause another upset?
  • RCB vs UPW: Could UPW upset the odds?
  • DC vs UPW: A potential decider for both sides

Keep an eye on these fixtures — they could make or break teams in the final stretch.

Conclusion

The WPL 2026 season has delivered one of the most thrilling playoff races in women’s cricket history. With Royal Challengers Bengaluru already through, the spotlight shifts to Delhi Capitals, Gujarat Giants, Mumbai Indians, and UP Warriorz, all vying for the final two playoff spots.

Every remaining match is crucial: wins, losses, and net run rate swings could completely reshape the table. Delhi Capitals and Gujarat Giants hold a slight edge, but Mumbai Indians and UP Warriorz are far from out — especially if upsets happen. Fans can expect high-stakes cricket, last-ball finishes, and nerve-wracking tension until the very end.

Ultimately, the WPL 2026 playoffs will reward not just skill, but strategy, resilience, and the ability to perform under pressure — making the final round of league games a must-watch spectacle for cricket enthusiasts worldwide.

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