Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) Officially became the first team to earn a direct spot wpl 2026 final. following a Great win by eight wickets Above UP Warriors on 29th January Smriti MandhanaThe led team finished their league campaign at the top of the table.
RCB enters WPL 2026 final
With 12 points from 8 matches and a better net run rate of +1.247, no other team can move past their position at the top. This is a significant milestone for the franchise, showing their continuity after a record-breaking six-match win streak at the start of the season. Fans can now look forward to watching the ‘Red and Gold’ brigade battle for the title in Vadodara on 5th February. grace harris And Nadine de Klerk Has played an important role in this journey, who currently holds the Purple Cap.
WPL 2026 Playoff Qualification Scenario 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 up to 10 points, securing them a place in the eliminator regardless of other results. Even if they lose, they can still qualify if the margin of defeat is small enough that their NRR remains above the chasing group.
- Current Status: 2nd place (8 points, NRR -0.271)
- What should be done: Win against MI on January 30 to secure a playoff spot.
- fall back: If they lose, they should expect DC to lose to UPW to remain in the top three.
2.Mumbai Indians (MI)
The defending champions find themselves in a ‘do or die’ situation 6 points from 7 matches. His healthy positive NRR (+0.146) is his biggest asset in a potential tie-breaker scenario. Must beat MI to qualify gujarat giants To reach 8 points in their last game and leapfrog them on the NRR. A loss will leave them stuck at 6 points, making them dependent UP Warriors defeat Delhi Capitals.
- Current Status: 3rd place (6 points, NRR +0.146)
- What should be done: Reached 8 points after defeating Gujarat Giants.
- fall back: If they lose, they will have to see DC lose their last game heavily to remain in third place on the NRR.
3. Delhi Capitals (DC)
Delhi Capitals is currently in fourth place 6 points from 7 matches And feeling the heat after recent losses. Their final league match is against UP Warriors on 1 February, which they need to win to reach 8 points. Because their NRR is currently negative (-0.164), they not only have to win but also hope that the result of the GG vs MI match goes in their favour. If both MI and DC win, it will come down to a three-way NRR battle at 8 points.
- Current Status: 4th place (6 points, NRR -0.164)
- What should be done: Defeat UP Warriors and significantly improve their NRR.
- landscape: They stand to gain the most if MI loses to GG, as a win would guarantee DC the third spot.
4. UP Warriors (UPW)
Warriors are at the bottom of the table 4 points from 7 matches And face the steepest climb. After the heavy defeat to RCB, their NRR has dropped to -1.146, making it mathematically difficult but not impossible to make the top three. They will have to beat Delhi Capitals by a big margin to reach 6 points and hope that Mumbai Indians lose their last game by a similar big margin. Their qualification depends on a number of results coming their way and a miraculous change in NRR.
- Current Status: 5th place (4 points, NRR -1.146)
- What should be done: Defeat Delhi Capitals by a huge margin on 1st February.
- Dependency: MI need to lose to GG and hope the NRR swing overcomes the huge deficit.
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This article was first published here WomenCricket.comA Cricket Times Company.
