All WPL 2026 qualification scenarios for playoffs explained. Check which teams will make the playoffs in the Women's Premier League season.
The fourth edition of the Women’s Premier League is well and truly underway, with high-scoring matches and tight finishes already shaping the playoff race. After the first few matches in the league stage, the WPL 2026 qualification scenarios are beginning to take shape as the points table tightens at the top and pressure builds on the bottom-placed teams.
Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru have shared the WPL titles since the tournament began in 2023, while Delhi Capitals have finished runners-up in all three editions so far. Gujarat Giants and UP Warriorz are still chasing their maiden WPL title, and WPL 2026 could yet provide a breakthrough season for either side.
Before breaking down the WPL 2026 playoff chances team-wise, here is a look at the latest standings. Meanwhile, stay updated with latest WPL 2026 news.
(last updated after MI vs GG Match 6 on January 13)
| Team | Matches | Won | Loss | NR | Points | NRR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 | +1.964 |
| Mumbai Indians Women | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 4 | +0.901 |
| Gujarat Giants Women | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 4 | +0.105 |
| Delhi Capitals Women | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | -1.350 |
| UP Warriorz Women | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | -2.443 |
Based on current form, net run-rate, and remaining fixtures:
Historically, teams reaching 10 points have a strong chance of making the playoffs, while 12 points almost guarantees a top-two finish.
After 20 league matches:
Net Run Rate (NRR) could once again prove decisive, especially if multiple teams finish on equal points.
RCB and GG have won both of their two matches in the league, with just NRR separating the two teams in the top two spots. The defending champions lost their first match, but forged a strong comeback in their second game. DC and UP Warriorz are sailing in the same boat, with losses in both their games.
At the end of 20 fixtures, the teams placed second and third on the points table will compete in an Eliminator round on February 3. The winner will face the team in the top spot in the WPL 2026 final on February 5 at the same venue.
Let’s take a look at the qualification scenarios for each team and their upcoming fixtures.
The upcoming fixtures of Delhi Capitals are:
Delhi Capitals have lost both their opening matches and currently sit at the bottom half of the table. To remain in contention, DC will likely need at least five wins from their remaining six games, pushing them close to the 10-point mark. Anything less could leave them relying heavily on other results and NRR.
The upcoming fixtures of Gujarat Giants are:
Gujarat Giants began WPL 2026 with two strong wins before being halted by Mumbai Indians. With two matches against RCB coming up, the next week could define their season. Even if they drop both games against the defending champions, winning two of the remaining three fixtures should keep them firmly in the playoff race. A target of 10 points appears to be the safe zone.
The upcoming fixtures of Mumbai Indians are:
Check the detailed MI WPL 2026 Points Table Position And Qualification Scenarios after clash vs GG
Mumbai Indians have bounced back strongly after losing their season opener and currently look well placed for a playoff spot. With two matches against UP Warriorz still to come, MI will back themselves to build momentum. Three more wins should take them to 10 points, while four wins could seal a top-two finish, giving them a direct route to the final.
The upcoming fixtures of Royal Challengers Bengaluru are:
Check the detailed RCB WPL 2026 Points Table Position And Qualification Scenarios after UP Warriorz clash.
RCB currently sit at the top of the points table with the best net run-rate in the tournament. Having already defeated Mumbai Indians and UP Warriorz, they are in a commanding position. Winning four of their remaining six matches should comfortably secure qualification, while their superior NRR gives them a significant edge in the race for a top-two finish.
The upcoming fixtures of UP Warriorz are:
WPL 2026 playoff chances for UP Warriorz
UP Warriorz find themselves in unfamiliar territory at the bottom of the table with the worst NRR so far. With six games still to play, their season is far from over, but they will need a strong turnaround, likely requiring four or five wins, to remain in contention. Their late fixtures could play a decisive role in shaping the final playoff lineup.
As the league stage progresses, the WPL 2026 qualification scenarios are expected to change rapidly with every result. With net run-rate already playing a key role, the race to determine which teams will make WPL 2026 playoffs could go down to the final league match.
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