Welcome to IPL Star, your go-to source for all things IPL and WPL. As a cricket enthusiast based in Maharashtra, I’ve been following the Women’s Premier League closely, and the WPL 2026 Playoffs are shaping up to be a blockbuster. This season has delivered edge-of-the-seat action, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru dominating the league stage and earning a direct final berth. Now, the focus shifts to the high-stakes Eliminator between Gujarat Giants and Delhi Capitals, where one team will advance to challenge RCB for the crown.
The WPL 2026 Playoffs mark the climax of a tournament that kicked off on January 9 and featured 22 thrilling matches across Navi Mumbai and Vadodara. With five teams battling it out—Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Gujarat Giants, and UP Warriorz—the league stage wrapped up on February 1, leaving fans buzzing about the knockouts. RCB topped the table with 12 points from eight games, showcasing their balanced squad. Gujarat Giants secured second with 10 points, while Delhi Capitals clinched third with 8 points after a tense final-day win.
What makes these playoffs special? It’s the blend of experience, emerging talent, and unpredictable conditions at Vadodara’s BCA Stadium. From Sophie Devine’s all-round heroics for GG to Smriti Mandhana’s elegant batting for RCB, stars have lit up the season. In this guide, we’ll break down the schedule, dive into venue insights, analyze teams, preview matches, and offer predictions. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or new to women’s cricket, this article has everything to keep you engaged.
Let’s start with the basics: the playoff format remains straightforward. The top team (RCB) qualifies directly for the final, while second and third (GG and DC) face off in the Eliminator. The winner joins RCB in the title decider. This setup has produced nail-biters in past seasons, like Mumbai Indians’ dominance in earlier eliminators.
WPL 2026 Playoffs Schedule: Key Dates and Timings
The playoffs begin tomorrow, adding to the excitement for fans across India. Both matches are night games, starting at 7:30 PM IST, perfect for prime-time viewing.
Here’s the full schedule in tabular form for easy reference:
| Match | Date | Time (IST) | Venue | Teams |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eliminator | Tuesday, February 3, 2026 | 7:30 PM | BCA Stadium, Kotambi, Vadodara | Gujarat Giants vs Delhi Capitals |
| Final | Thursday, February 5, 2026 | 7:30 PM | BCA Stadium, Kotambi, Vadodara | Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Winner of Eliminator |
Note: There’s a reserve day for the final on Friday, February 6, 2026, in case of rain or other disruptions. This ensures the champion is crowned without delays, maintaining the tournament’s momentum.
The choice of Vadodara as the playoff hub is strategic. After starting in Navi Mumbai, the league shifted here for the latter stages, allowing teams to adapt to the conditions. For fans planning to attend, tickets start at ₹100 and are available on the official WPL website or app. Book early— these games are expected to draw massive crowds.
BCA Stadium, Kotambi, Vadodara: Venue Guide and Pitch Report
The BCA Stadium in Kotambi, Vadodara, has become synonymous with balanced cricket in WPL 2026. Known as Kotambi Stadium, this venue has hosted several late-league matches, providing a fair contest between bat and ball. With a capacity that accommodates enthusiastic crowds, it’s set to buzz during the playoffs.
The pitch at BCA Stadium has evolved throughout the season. Early on, it was batter-friendly with flat surfaces allowing high scores. As the tournament progressed, black-soil pitches slowed down, offering more turn for spinners and lower bounce. Average first-innings scores hover around 158, but recent games show totals dipping to 140-150 on worn tracks.
Key pitch characteristics:
- Surface Analysis: Slow and low, with early movement for pacers using hard lengths. Spinners get grip and turn in the middle overs, making it challenging for aggressive batting.
- Dew Factor: A major influence in evening matches. Dew sets in during the second innings, making the ball slippery and harder to grip for bowlers. This favors chasers, as seen in 7 out of 9 wins for teams batting second this season.
- Toss Impact Prediction: Captains will likely opt to bowl first. Winning the toss and chasing could be the key, especially with dew aiding the second innings. However, if a team posts 160+, defending is possible with clever bowling variations.
Venue stats from WPL 2026 highlight the chasing bias:
| Statistic | Details |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 9-10 |
| Won Batting First | 2 |
| Won Chasing | 7+ |
| Highest Total | 202/4 (RCB vs GG) |
| Lowest Total Defended | 153/8 |
| Highest Successful Chase | 202/4 in 18.3 overs |
| Average 1st Innings Score | 158 |
Pacers have claimed 32 wickets in recent games, while spinners took 31, showing balance. Standout records include Sophie Devine’s all-round displays and high chases that thrilled fans.
Weather forecast for February 3 (Eliminator): Clear skies, temperatures 15-31°C, humidity 40-77%, no rain expected. Dew will play a role post-9 PM. For February 5 (Final): Similar conditions, with slight humidity rise but dry overall.
Strategically, teams should pack spinners for control and death bowlers to counter dew. For GG vs DC, expect a chase if the toss goes their way. RCB, with their rest advantage, can plan accordingly.
WPL 2026 Playoff Teams: In-Depth Squad Analysis, Strengths, Probable XI, and Players to Watch
The three qualified teams bring unique strengths. RCB’s dominance, GG’s momentum, and DC’s experience set the stage for fireworks. Let’s dissect each.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Direct Finalists and League Dominators
RCB have been the standout team, winning 6 of 8 matches with a record six-game streak—the longest in WPL history. They finished with 12 points, securing the top spot early. Their balanced attack shines, led by Nadine de Klerk (15 wickets) and Shreyanka Patil (11 wickets). Batting revolves around Smriti Mandhana’s 290 runs at the top.
Strengths: Depth in all departments, rest period (four days before final) for recovery, and adaptability to Vadodara pitches. Weaknesses: Recent losses exposed top-order vulnerabilities, but they’ve bounced back strongly.
Probable Playing XI:
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| Opener | Smriti Mandhana (c) |
| Opener | Grace Harris |
| Middle | Nadine de Klerk |
| Middle | Richa Ghosh (wk) |
| All-rounder | Shreyanka Patil |
| All-rounder | Sophie Ecclestone |
| Bowler | Renuka Singh |
| Bowler | Asha Sobhana |
| Bowler | Georgia Wareham |
| Batter | Sabbhineni Meghana |
| All-rounder | Simran Bahadur |
Players to Watch:
- Smriti Mandhana: 290 runs, elegant strokeplay; her form could decide the final.
- Grace Harris: Explosive 75 off 37 in a key win; all-round threat with 2/22 bowling.
- Nadine de Klerk: Leading wicket-taker; economical in death overs.
RCB’s path: They qualified with an 8-wicket win over UP Warriorz, chasing 144 easily thanks to Harris’ blitz. Their confidence is sky-high.
Gujarat Giants: Momentum Builders in the Eliminator
GG finished second with 10 points (5 wins), entering playoffs on a three-win streak, including a crucial victory over Mumbai Indians. Under Ashleigh Gardner’s captaincy, they’ve found clarity and defied odds, like batting first against MI—the first in 41 WPL games.
Strengths: All-round balance, Sophie Devine’s sensational form (17 wickets, 237 runs—Purple Cap holder), and H2H edge over DC (won both league games). Weaknesses: Reliance on key players; middle-order inconsistency.
Probable Playing XI:
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| Opener | Beth Mooney (wk) |
| Opener | Sophie Devine |
| Middle | Anushka Sharma |
| All-rounder | Ashleigh Gardner (c) |
| All-rounder | Georgia Wareham |
| Batter | Bharti Fulmali |
| All-rounder | Kanika Ahuja |
| Bowler | Kashvee Gautam |
| Bowler | Tanuja Kanwar |
| Bowler | Rajeshwari Gayakwad |
| Bowler | Renuka Singh Thakur |
Players to Watch:
- Sophie Devine: In red-hot form; her death-over bowling denied DC twice. Expect big impacts.
- Ashleigh Gardner: 244+ runs; leadership and spin bowling crucial on Vadodara tracks.
- Beth Mooney: Consistent opener; anchors innings for chases.
GG’s recent form: Wins over MI, DC (twice), building momentum for their maiden final push.
Delhi Capitals: Experience in Knockouts
DC secured third with 8 points (4 wins, 4 losses), qualifying on the last day by beating UP Warriorz. They’ve reached finals in all three previous WPL seasons, bringing unmatched pressure-game savvy.
Strengths: Experience, pace attack led by Nandani Sharma (14 wickets), and consistent batting from Laura Wolvaardt (241 runs). Weaknesses: Inconsistency; balanced win-loss record shows vulnerability.
Probable Playing XI:
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| Opener | Lizelle Lee (wk) |
| Opener | Shafali Verma |
| Middle | Laura Wolvaardt |
| Middle | Jemimah Rodrigues (c) |
| All-rounder | Marizanne Kapp |
| All-rounder | Chinelle Henry |
| Bowler | Niki Prasad |
| Bowler | Sneh Rana |
| Bowler | Minnu Mani |
| Bowler | Nandani Sharma |
| Bowler | Shree Charani |
Players to Watch:
- Laura Wolvaardt: 241 runs; reliable anchor for chases.
- Marizanne Kapp: All-round star; early swing and middle-order stability.
- Jemimah Rodrigues: Captain’s knocks in crunch situations.
DC’s form: Clutch wins to qualify, but losses to GG highlight challenges.
Gujarat Giants vs Delhi Capitals Eliminator Preview: Head-to-Head, Recent Form, and Key Battles
The Eliminator on February 3 is a do-or-die clash at BCA Stadium. GG hold the psychological edge, having beaten DC in both league meetings this season—including a 3-run thriller in Vadodara. Devine was pivotal, defending in death overs.
Head-to-Head Stats:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Overall WPL Matches | DC leads 3-2 in last 5 |
| WPL 2026 League | GG won both (double over DC, first in history) |
| At Vadodara | GG’s narrow 3-run win recently |
| Key Performer | Sophie Devine (decisive in both wins) |
Recent Form:
- GG: WWW (hot streak, momentum high after MI upset)
- DC: WLWW (clutch qualifier, but inconsistency)
Key Battles:
- Devine vs DC Death Bowlers: Her all-round skills could tilt the scale.
- Wolvaardt Anchor vs GG Pace: Early breakthroughs key for GG.
- Gardner’s Spin vs DC Middle Order: Turn on slow pitches favors her.
Tactical Edge: GG’s form and H2H make them favorites (55-60% chance). Dew favors chasers, so toss winner bowls first. Expect a tight contest, possibly decided in the final overs.
ESPN’s preview highlights DC’s route change this season.
WPL 2026 Final Preview: RCB vs Eliminator Winner – Path to Title, Predictions, and Where to Watch
The final on February 5 pits RCB against the Eliminator winner. RCB’s rest and league form make them favorites, but GG or DC could upset.
If GG Advances: Their momentum clashes with RCB’s balance. Devine vs Mandhana would be epic.
If DC Advances: Experience vs dominance; Kapp’s pace tests RCB top order.
Bold Predictions:
- Eliminator Winner: Gujarat Giants (form, H2H).
- Final Winner: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (60% chance; depth and rest).
- High Scorer: Smriti Mandhana.
- Top Wicket-Taker: Sophie Devine.
Where to Watch:
- TV: Star Sports Network (India).
- Streaming: JioHotstar app/website (live, HD options).
- Global: Check regional broadcasters.
Ticket Guide: Online via wplt20.com; prices from ₹100. For live updates, follow official WPL site.
In conclusion, the WPL 2026 Playoffs promise drama, skill, and unforgettable moments. Who will lift the trophy? Tune in and join the conversation below—share your predictions! For more WPL coverage, explore our IPL Star WPL section.
Frequently Asked Questions About WPL 2026 Playoffs
- What is the full schedule for WPL 2026 Playoffs? The WPL 2026 Playoffs consist of two high-stakes matches at BCA Stadium, Kotambi, Vadodara. The Eliminator is on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at 7:30 PM IST between Gujarat Giants and Delhi Capitals. The Final is scheduled for Thursday, February 5, 2026, at 7:30 PM IST, featuring Royal Challengers Bengaluru against the Eliminator winner. A reserve day is allocated for February 6 in case of disruptions.
- When and where is the WPL 2026 Eliminator being played? The WPL 2026 Playoffs The WPL 2026 Eliminator – Gujarat Giants vs Delhi Capitals – takes place on February 3, 2026, at 7:30 PM IST at BCA Stadium, Kotambi, Vadodara. This do-or-die clash will decide which team advances to face RCB in the final.
- Who are the teams in the WPL 2026 Playoffs and how did they qualify? Royal Challengers Bengaluru topped the league with 12 points and qualified directly for the final. Gujarat Giants finished second with 10 points, while Delhi Capitals secured third with 8 points. RCB dominated with a six-match winning streak, GG built momentum with three consecutive wins, and DC relied on knockout experience.
- What is the BCA Stadium Vadodara pitch report for WPL 2026 Playoffs? The BCA Stadium Vadodara pitch in WPL 2026 has been slow and low, offering early help to pacers and grip for spinners later. Average first-innings score is around 158. Heavy dew in evening games makes chasing easier, with 7+ wins batting second out of 9-10 matches played at the venue this season.
- How does the dew factor impact WPL 2026 Playoffs at BCA Stadium? Dew is a major factor at Kotambi Stadium during night matches. It makes the ball slippery, reducing grip for bowlers in the second innings. WPL 2026 Playoffs Teams winning the toss are likely to bowl first, as chasing has been heavily favored in WPL 2026 games at Vadodara.
- Who is predicted to win the WPL 2026 Eliminator between GG and DC? Gujarat Giants are slight favorites in the GG vs DC Eliminator 2026 due to their three-match winning streak, head-to-head dominance (won both league encounters), and Sophie Devine’s all-round form. WPL 2026 Playoffs However, Delhi Capitals’ prior finals experience makes it a close contest.
- Which team is the favorite to win the WPL 2026 Final? Royal Challengers Bengaluru are strong favorites for the WPL 2026 Final, thanks to their league dominance, four-day rest advantage, and balanced squad led by Smriti Mandhana and Nadine de Klerk. WPL 2026 Playoffs The Eliminator winner will face an uphill battle.
- How can I watch the WPL 2026 Playoffs live in India? WPL 2026 Playoffs will be broadcast live on Star Sports Network. Free live streaming is available on the JioHotstar app and website. Matches start at 7:30 PM IST on February 3 (Eliminator) and February 5 (Final).
- What are the key player battles to watch in WPL 2026 Playoffs? WPL 2026 Playoffs Standout battles include Sophie Devine vs Delhi Capitals’ death bowling in the Eliminator, Smriti Mandhana’s elegance against pace in the final, and Ashleigh Gardner’s spin versus DC’s middle order on the turning Vadodara track.
- What are the venue stats and records at BCA Stadium for WPL 2026? WPL 2026 Playoffs At BCA Stadium, Kotambi, Vadodara in WPL 2026: 9-10 matches played, highest total 202/4 (RCB vs GG), highest chase 202/4, average 1st innings score ~158, only 2 wins batting first, and strong chasing record due to dew.