The WPL 2026 playoff scenarios are heating up dramatically as the league phase nears its thrilling end! With only three matches left after 17 completed games, excitement is at fever pitch in the Women’s Premier League 2026. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have already locked in their playoff spot, but the battle for the remaining two places—leading to the Eliminator and a shot at the Final—is intense among Gujarat Giants (GG), Mumbai Indians (MI), Delhi Capitals (DC), and a slim-hope UP Warriorz (UPW).
As of January 28, 2026, the race is razor-close, with net run rate (NRR) set to play a massive role in potential ties. Gujarat Giants revived their hopes with a nail-biting 3-run victory over Delhi Capitals on January 27, climbing to second place. This high-stakes drama has fans asking: Who will join RCB in the playoffs? Can GG pull off a miracle top finish? Will defending champions MI leverage their superior NRR?
In this ultimate guide, we break down everything you need to know about WPL 2026 playoff scenarios, including the latest points table, qualification paths, key players, dramatic moments, and likely outcomes. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or new to women’s cricket, this comprehensive breakdown keeps it simple, engaging, and packed with insights.
WPL 2026 Points Table: Current Standings After 17 Matches
The WPL 2026 points table tells the story of a season full of twists. RCB lead comfortably, but the mid-table logjam is electric.
| Position | Team | Matches | Won | Lost | NR | Points | NRR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 7 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 10 | +0.947 |
| 2 | Gujarat Giants | 7 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 8 | -0.271 |
| 3 | Mumbai Indians | 7 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 6 | +0.146 |
| 4 | Delhi Capitals | 7 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 6 | -0.164 |
| 5 | UP Warriorz | 7 | 2 | 5 | 0 | 4 | -0.769 |
Key insights from the WPL 2026 standings: RCB’s strong start (five early wins) gave them a buffer, even after recent losses. GG’s climb to second came courtesy of their thrilling win over DC. The three teams on 6 points (MI, DC) and UPW’s bottom position with the worst NRR make every run and wicket count. NRR is calculated as (runs scored per over minus runs conceded per over) across all matches—it’s the ultimate tie-breaker and could decide fates in multi-team scenarios.
Remaining Matches in WPL 2026 League Stage
Only three fixtures stand between us and playoff clarity. The schedule order adds extra drama:
- January 29: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs UP Warriorz
- January 30: Gujarat Giants vs Mumbai Indians
- February 1: Delhi Capitals vs UP Warriorz
This sequencing is crucial. UPW play twice, potentially spoiling others’ parties. The GG vs MI clash is essentially a virtual knockout—winner gains huge momentum. DC, playing last, hold the advantage of knowing exact requirements before their must-win against UPW.
Recent games in Vadodara (and earlier in DY Patil, Navi Mumbai) have shown varied pitches—batting-friendly at times but bowler-dominant in others, influencing close finishes like GG’s 3-run thriller.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru WPL 2026 Playoff Scenarios: Paths to Qualification
Current position: 1st, 10 points, NRR +0.947
Remaining fixture: vs UPW (Jan 29)
RCB are the only confirmed playoff team and control their destiny for a direct Final spot (top place gets straight entry; 2nd vs 3rd play Eliminator).
- Best case: Win vs UPW → 12 points, almost certain top spot and direct Final berth. Their NRR buffer is massive.
- Even in loss: RCB stay top unless GG pulls off an improbable massive win over MI (e.g., defending ~160 and winning by ~106 runs to flip NRR). Recent close defeats (15 runs to MI despite Richa Ghosh’s heroic 90) preserved their edge.
- NRR implications: +0.947 is a huge cushion—GG trail by roughly 160 runs equivalent.
- Outlook: Firm favorites for direct Final entry. A win seals it; a loss keeps control barring extreme results. Probability: Very high for top-two finish.
Gujarat Giants WPL 2026 Playoff Scenarios: Paths to Qualification
Current position: 2nd, 8 points, NRR -0.271
Remaining fixture: vs MI (Jan 30)
GG revived hopes dramatically with their 3-run win over DC.
- Win vs MI → 10 points, playoffs secured (likely top-2; slim Final chance if RCB lose heavily).
- Loss vs MI → Stays on 8; needs UPW to lose to RCB (keeping UPW ≤6) and then UPW to beat DC. Still qualifies in many ties on points/NRR.
- Direct Final chance: Extremely slim—needs massive win over MI (~100+ runs) + RCB heavy loss to UPW to overtake +0.947 NRR.
- Danger scenario: Loss + UPW winning both → possible 8-point tie; GG’s poor NRR makes them vulnerable. Head-to-head vs MI is 0-8—nightmare record.
- Outlook: Pivotal Friday clash. Win guarantees playoffs; loss invites NRR risks. Strong momentum post-DC thriller.
Mumbai Indians WPL 2026 Playoff Scenarios: Paths to Qualification
Current position: 3rd, 6 points, NRR +0.146 (best among contenders)
Remaining fixture: vs GG (Jan 30)
Defending champions MI are well-placed thanks to NRR edge.
- Win vs GG → 8 points, playoffs almost certain (NRR advantage in ties; 8-0 H2H dominance over GG).
- Loss vs GG → Stays on 6; needs RCB to beat UPW + UPW to beat DC → 6-point tie with DC/UPW, where MI’s NRR favors them heavily (>110 runs ahead of UPW, ~40 ahead of DC).
- Outlook: Best cushion among 6-pointers. Win over GG (fancied historically) likely sends them to Eliminator. Low stress if they capitalize.
Delhi Capitals WPL 2026 Playoff Scenarios: Paths to Qualification
Current position: 4th, 6 points, NRR -0.164
Remaining fixture: vs UPW (Feb 1)
DC are in a squeeze after the GG loss but have final say.
- Win vs UPW → 8 points; qualifies regardless (ahead of GG on NRR if GG win vs MI, strong in ties).
- Loss vs UPW → Stays on 6; needs RCB to beat UPW + GG to beat MI heavily → 6-point tie with MI/UPW (trails MI by ~40 runs but leads UPW by ~70).
- Advantage: Last match—know exact needs. Revived earlier with wins over MI/RCB.
- Outlook: Feels must-win, but control helps. Win seals it; loss relies on slim NRR paths.
UP Warriorz WPL 2026 Playoff Scenarios: Paths to Qualification
Current position: 5th, 4 points, NRR -0.769 (worst)
Remaining fixtures: vs RCB (Jan 29), vs DC (Feb 1)
UPW need a miracle—bottom with poor NRR.
- Win both → 8 points; best if GG beats MI (RCB/GG at 10, UPW third). In 8-point ties, needs huge NRR boost.
- Win one (lose to RCB, beat DC massively) → 6 points; requires GG to beat MI heavily + other results for 6-point tie, overtaking MI/DC on NRR (near-impossible gap).
- Outlook: Mathematically alive but NRR deficits make it extremely unlikely. Spoiler potential in ties.
Standout Players in WPL 2026: Top Run-Scorers and Wicket-Takers
Individual brilliance has shaped campaigns and kept hopes alive.
Most Runs Table
| Player | Team | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Ave | BF | SR | 100 | 50 | 4s | 6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nat Sciver-Brunt | MI-W | 6 | 6 | 2 | 319 | 100* | 79.75 | 206 | 154.85 | 1 | 3 | 48 | 4 |
| H Kaur | MI-W | 7 | 7 | 2 | 260 | 74* | 52.00 | 179 | 145.25 | – | 2 | 28 | 9 |
| P Litchfield | UPW-W | 6 | 6 | – | 243 | 78 | 40.50 | 157 | 154.77 | – | 2 | 30 | 10 |
| S Mandhana | RCB-W | 7 | 7 | 1 | 236 | 96 | 39.33 | 178 | 132.58 | – | 1 | 37 | 4 |
| L Lee | DC-W | 7 | 7 | – | 230 | 86 | 32.85 | 166 | 138.55 | – | 2 | 33 | 7 |
| SFM Devine | GG-W | 7 | 7 | 1 | 212 | 95 | 35.33 | 134 | 158.20 | – | 2 | 20 | 13 |
| MM Lanning | UPW-W | 6 | 6 | – | 207 | 70 | 34.50 | 167 | 123.95 | – | 2 | 31 | 4 |
| A Gardner | GG-W | 7 | 7 | – | 198 | 65 | 28.28 | 143 | 138.46 | – | 2 | 19 | 7 |
| L Wolvaardt | DC-W | 7 | 7 | 2 | 194 | 77 | 38.80 | 149 | 130.20 | – | 1 | 19 | 5 |
| BL Mooney | GG-W | 7 | 7 | – | 191 | 58 | 27.28 | 152 | 125.65 | – | 1 | 22 | 2 |
Most Wickets Table
| Player | Team | Mat | Inns | Balls | Overs | Mdns | Runs | Wkts | BBI | Ave | Econ | SR | 4 | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SFM Devine | GG-W | 7 | 7 | 155 | 25.5 | – | 214 | 15 | 4/37 | 14.26 | 8.28 | 10.33 | 1 | – |
| NSS Sharma | DC-W | 7 | 7 | 156 | 26.0 | – | 210 | 14 | 5/33 | 15.00 | 8.07 | 11.14 | – | 1 |
| AC Kerr | MI-W | 6 | 6 | 144 | 24.0 | – | 184 | 12 | 3/24 | 15.33 | 7.66 | 12.00 | – | – |
| N Shree Charani | DC-W | 7 | 7 | 162 | 27.0 | – | 220 | 12 | 4/31 | 18.33 | 8.14 | 13.50 | 1 | – |
| LK Bell | RCB-W | 7 | 7 | 168 | 28.0 | 2 | 159 | 11 | 3/26 | 14.45 | 5.67 | 15.27 | – | – |
| N de Klerk | RCB-W | 7 | 7 | 144 | 24.0 | – | 181 | 11 | 4/26 | 16.45 | 7.54 | 13.09 | 1 | – |
| SR Patil | RCB-W | 7 | 7 | 147 | 24.3 | – | 216 | 10 | 5/23 | 21.60 | 8.81 | 14.70 | – | 1 |
| RS Gayakwad | GG-W | 6 | 5 | 90 | 15.0 | – | 99 | 9 | 3/16 | 11.00 | 6.60 | 10.00 | – | – |
| SG Satghare | RCB-W | 4 | 4 | 84 | 14.0 | – | 108 | 8 | 3/21 | 13.50 | 7.71 | 10.50 | – | – |
| M Kapp | DC-W | 7 | 7 | 168 | 28.0 | 1 | 156 | 7 | 2/17 | 22.28 | 5.57 | 24.00 | – | – |
Nat Sciver-Brunt’s explosive 319 runs (including first WPL century) power MI. Sophie Devine’s all-round heroics (212 runs + 15 wickets) keep GG alive. Richa Ghosh’s 90 in defeat showed fight. These stars drive playoff pushes.
For more stats visit ESPNcricinfo.
All Possible Playoff Outcomes and Tie-Breaker Scenarios in WPL 2026
- Most likely top 3: RCB 1st (direct Final), then two of GG, MI, DC (GG/MI favored if one wins Jan 30 clash; DC decisive last).
- 8-point ties (e.g., GG/MI/UPW or others): MI favored (best NRR), then GG/DC.
- 6-point ties (e.g., MI/DC/UPW): MI > DC > UPW on NRR.
- Specific margins: GG needs ~106-run win vs MI (chasing 160) + RCB heavy loss to flip NRR for top spot.
- Bold prediction: RCB tops; MI and GG qualify (MI’s NRR + GG momentum edge out DC in tight race).
Key Moments and Turning Points in WPL 2026 So Far
The season delivered drama: GG’s 3-run thriller over DC (Jan 27) revived GG. MI’s 15-run win over RCB (Jan 26, Sciver-Brunt 100*) despite Ghosh’s 90. DC’s 7-wicket chase vs RCB (Jan 24). GG’s 45-run win over UPW (Jan 22). Early RCB dominance (five straight wins) set tone, but late slips opened door. Close finishes (e.g., 4 runs, 3 wickets) highlight competitiveness.
Conclusion: Who Will Make the WPL 2026 Playoffs?
WPL 2026 playoff scenarios deliver edge-of-seat tension—RCB secure, but GG’s revival, MI’s NRR strength, DC’s final control, and UPW’s spoiler role make predictions tough. Most probable: RCB direct to Final, with MI and GG (or DC) in Eliminator. NRR will decide ties.
Follow the remaining clashes—Jan 29, 30, and Feb 1—for twists. Women’s cricket at its best! Stay tuned to IPL Star for updates.
FAQs for WPL 2026 Playoff Scenarios
- What are the current WPL 2026 playoff scenarios? With only three matches left after 17 games, Royal Challengers Bengaluru have secured a playoff spot with 10 points. Gujarat Giants (8 points), Mumbai Indians (6 points), Delhi Capitals (6 points), and UP Warriorz (4 points) are battling for the remaining two places. Net run rate will be decisive in ties.
- Who tops the WPL 2026 points table as of January 28, 2026? Royal Challengers Bengaluru lead the WPL 2026 points table with 10 points and a strong +0.947 NRR from 7 matches. Gujarat Giants are second with 8 points, followed by Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals on 6 points each.
- What does each team need for WPL 2026 qualification? RCB are already qualified. Gujarat Giants qualify with a win over MI. Mumbai Indians are favored with a win due to superior NRR. Delhi Capitals must beat UPW. UP Warriorz need to win both remaining games plus favorable results.
- How important is net run rate in WPL 2026 playoff scenarios? Net run rate is crucial in potential ties. Mumbai Indians (+0.146) hold the best among contenders, while UP Warriorz (-0.769) are disadvantaged. Ties on 8 or 6 points will likely be decided by NRR.
- What are the remaining matches in WPL 2026 league stage? January 29: RCB vs UPW January 30: Gujarat Giants vs Mumbai Indians February 1: Delhi Capitals vs UPW These fixtures will finalise the WPL 2026 playoff qualifiers.
- Can Gujarat Giants still finish top in WPL 2026? Yes, but it’s slim. WPL 2026 playoff scenarios They need a massive win over MI (e.g., 100+ runs) and a heavy RCB loss to UPW to overtake RCB’s +0.947 NRR for direct Final entry.
- Who are the top performers in WPL 2026 so far? WPL 2026 playoff scenarios Nat Sciver-Brunt leads run-scoring with 319 runs for MI. Sophie Devine tops wickets with 15 for Gujarat Giants while also scoring 212 runs, making her a key all-rounder.
- Is UP Warriorz’s WPL 2026 qualification chance realistic? WPL 2026 playoff scenarios UP Warriorz need a miracle—win both remaining games to reach 8 points and massive NRR boosts, as their current -0.769 is the worst in the tournament.
- Which team has the best chance in WPL 2026 playoff race besides RCB? WPL 2026 playoff scenarios Mumbai Indians are best placed among contenders due to +0.146 NRR and an 8-0 head-to-head record against Gujarat Giants.
- When will the WPL 2026 playoffs begin? WPL 2026 playoff scenarios The league stage ends February 1, 2026. Top team goes directly to the Final; 2nd and 3rd play the Eliminator for the second Final spot.