WPL

WPL 2026 Scenarios Explained: RCB-W Seal Playoff Spot as Mid-Table Battle Heats Up

🗓️ Published on: January 23, 2026 3:37 pm
WPL 2026 Scenarios

WPL 2026 Scenarios: The Women’s Premier League 2026 has entered its most decisive phase, with the playoff picture beginning to take shape but far from settled. While Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women (RCB-W) have already stamped their authority on the tournament and confirmed qualification, the remaining four teams are locked in a fierce mid-table struggle with just six league matches left to play.

As the league stage approaches its final stretch, WPL 2026 scenarios have become increasingly complex. Points, net run rate, and head-to-head results are all set to play a crucial role in determining which teams progress to the playoffs and which fall short. With every remaining match carrying high stakes, the race is wide open for Gujarat Giants Women, Mumbai Indians Women, Delhi Capitals Women, and UP Warriorz Women.

This article breaks down the current standings, remaining fixtures, and all possible qualification scenarios in detail, giving a clear picture of what each team needs to do to stay alive in the tournament.

WPL 2026 Points Table After Match 14

After 14 matches, the league standings reflect just how competitive this season has been. One team has surged ahead, while four others remain separated by the finest of margins.

Current WPL 2026 Standings

PositionTeamMatches PlayedWinsLossesNo ResultPointsNet Run Rate
1RCB Women (Qualified)550010+1.882
2Gujarat Giants Women63306-0.341
3Mumbai Indians Women62404+0.046
4Delhi Capitals Women52304-0.586
5UP Warriorz Women62404-0.769

RCB-W’s flawless run has given them a massive cushion at the top, while the remaining four teams are separated by just two points. With net run rate likely to be decisive, every over in the remaining fixtures will matter.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women: Dominance and Early Qualification

Remaining Fixtures

DateMatch
Jan 24RCB-W vs DC-W
Jan 26RCB-W vs MI-W
Jan 29RCB-W vs UPW-W

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women have been the standout team of WPL 2026 so far. Winning all five of their opening matches, RCB-W have not only qualified for the playoffs but have virtually secured a top-two finish, which provides a direct route to the final.

With 10 points already in the bank and a staggering net run rate of +1.882, RCB-W are miles ahead of the rest of the competition in terms of consistency and balance.

WPL 2026 Scenarios for RCB-W

  • One more win from their remaining three matches will mathematically confirm a direct spot in the final.
  • Even if RCB-W lose all three remaining games, only the winner of the DC-W vs GG-W clash could reach 10 points.
  • Their superior net run rate gives them a significant safety net in any tie-break situation.

In practical terms, RCB-W are already planning beyond qualification. The remaining games offer them an opportunity to fine-tune combinations and manage player workload ahead of the playoffs.

Gujarat Giants Women: Momentum on Their Side

Remaining Fixtures

DateMatch
Jan 27GG-W vs DC-W
Jan 30GG-W vs MI-W

Gujarat Giants Women have given themselves a fighting chance at the playoffs thanks to a crucial 45-run victory over UP Warriorz Women, which significantly improved their net run rate. That win pushed them to six points, placing them second on the table for now.

Key WPL 2026 Scenarios for Gujarat Giants

  • Winning both remaining matches guarantees a place in the Eliminator on February 3.
  • If RCB-W lose all their remaining games and GG-W win big, Gujarat could even push for a top-two finish, though that remains an outside possibility.
  • A win against DC-W and loss to MI-W could result in a three-way tie at eight points, depending on other results.
  • Losing to DC-W but beating MI-W would still give Gujarat a strong chance, especially if UPW-W drop at least one game.
  • If GG-W lose both matches, qualification becomes difficult but not impossible, with net run rate coming into play in a potential six-point tie.

Among all teams in the mid-table cluster, Gujarat Giants arguably have the most control over their destiny.

Mumbai Indians Women: Champions Under Pressure

Remaining Fixtures

DateMatch
Jan 26MI-W vs RCB-W
Jan 30MI-W vs GG-W

Mumbai Indians Women find themselves in unfamiliar territory. The two-time champions have struggled with injuries and inconsistency, leaving them with four points from six matches.

Despite their position, MI-W are far from out of contention.

WPL 2026 Scenarios for Mumbai Indians

  • Winning both remaining matches keeps MI-W firmly in the playoff hunt, especially if two other teams fail to cross six points.
  • If MI-W beat RCB-W but lose to GG-W, they would want DC-W and UPW-W to remain on four points before their final encounter.
  • If MI-W lose to RCB-W but defeat GG-W, a four-way tie at six points becomes possible.
  • Net run rate could prove decisive, and MI-W’s current positive NRR (+0.046) gives them a slight advantage over DC-W and UPW-W.

For Mumbai, execution under pressure will determine whether their championship pedigree can carry them through.

Delhi Capitals Women: A Familiar Playoff Push

Remaining Fixtures

DateMatch
Jan 24DC-W vs RCB-W
Jan 27DC-W vs GG-W
Feb 1DC-W vs UPW-W

Delhi Capitals Women have been consistent playoff contenders in previous seasons, and WPL 2026 is no different. With three matches still to play, DC-W arguably have the most opportunities to shape their own fate.

Qualification Scenarios for Delhi Capitals

  • Three wins will guarantee a playoff berth.
  • Two wins could also be enough, depending on other results.
  • If RCB-W defeat both DC-W and MI-W, but DC-W win their remaining two matches, Delhi would reach eight points and qualify outright.
  • A scenario where DC-W beat RCB-W and UPW-W but lose to GG-W could result in a tie at eight points with MI-W.

Delhi’s fate may ultimately hinge on how they perform against Gujarat and UP Warriorz.

UP Warriorz Women: A Steep Climb Ahead

Remaining Fixtures

DateMatch
Jan 29UPW-W vs RCB-W
Feb 1UPW-W vs DC-W

UP Warriorz Women are currently at the bottom of the table with four points and the lowest net run rate (-0.769) among all teams. Their margin for error is minimal.

WPL 2026 Scenarios for UP Warriorz

  • The clearest path without relying on net run rate is to win both remaining matches, while GG-W also win both.
  • Another scenario involves UPW-W reaching eight points, GG-W losing both matches, and RCB-W beating at least one of MI-W or DC-W.
  • A four-way tie at six points would likely not favor UP Warriorz due to their poor net run rate.

For UPW-W, not only do results matter, but winning margins will be equally critical.

Also read: WPL Points Table 2026: Latest Standings, Team Rankings, and Qualification Scenarios Explained

Net Run Rate: The Silent Decider in WPL 2026

With so many teams clustered around similar points totals, net run rate (NRR) could be the ultimate decider in multiple WPL 2026 scenarios.

Current Net Run Rate Comparison

TeamNet Run Rate
RCB-W+1.882
MI-W+0.046
GG-W-0.341
DC-W-0.586
UPW-W-0.769

RCB-W are untouchable in this aspect, while MI-W have a narrow edge over Delhi and UP. Gujarat’s recent big win has kept them competitive, but further improvements may be needed.

Also read: Wpl Points Table 2026 Complete Guide: Latest Standings, Rules, and Qualification System

Conclusion: A Thrilling Finish Ahead

As WPL 2026 heads into its final league matches, one thing is clear: the competition is far from over. While Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women have already secured their place in the playoffs, the remaining four teams are engaged in one of the tightest qualification battles in league history.

With multiple WPL 2026 scenarios still in play, fans can expect high-intensity cricket, tactical brilliance, and dramatic finishes. Every run, wicket, and over will count as teams fight not just for wins, but for survival.

The next six matches will define the season—and possibly rewrite the narratives of WPL 2026.