WPL 2026 Playoff: As the fourth season of the Women’s Premier League moves toward the business end of the league stage, the fight for a place in the knockouts is heating up nicely.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru has already sealed qualification after an impressive run of five straight wins. But with two playoff spots still up for grabs, the remaining four teams are all very much in the hunt.
The 2024 WPL champion recently missed a chance to book a direct spot in the final after losing to Delhi Capitals. Still, with two league matches left, RCB can keep that hope alive.
WPL 2026 Playoff Race Explained: Who Can Still Qualify For The Knockouts
Here’s a closer look at what the other four teams need to do to stay in contention for the knockouts.
Delhi Capitals Still in Control of Their Fate
Delhi Capitals, who have finished runners-up three times, have bounced back well after a slow start. They currently sit second on the points table with six points from six matches.
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If DC manages to win both of their remaining games, they will finish in the top two no matter what happens elsewhere. Dropping one match, however, could make things tricky. In that case, net run rate will come into play, and DC will need to avoid a heavy defeat while hoping Gujarat Giants and Mumbai Indians do not significantly improve their NRR.
Next fixtures of DC in WPL 2026: vs Gujarat Giants (January 27), vs UP Warriorz (February 1)
Gujarat Giants Eye a Strong Finish
Gujarat Giants are level on points with Delhi Capitals but trail them due to a lower net run rate, which puts them in third place for now.
Winning both remaining matches will guarantee GG a spot in the playoffs. A loss to DC, though, could complicate matters, leaving the Giants dependent on other results. With upcoming opponents boasting better NRRs, GG will also need to focus on winning big to strengthen their position.
Next fixtures of GG in WPL 2026: vs Delhi Capitals (January 27), vs Mumbai Indians (January 30)
Mumbai Indians Rely on Momentum and NRR
The defending champions have found themselves under pressure after suffering an unusual run of three consecutive defeats. Even so, Mumbai Indians remain firmly in the playoff race and hold a key advantage with a stronger net run rate than both DC and GG.
If MI win their final two matches, qualification should be within reach, as only Delhi Capitals and Gujarat Giants can potentially finish with more than eight points. A single loss, however, means MI will have to rely on favorable outcomes elsewhere.
Next fixtures of MI in WPL 2026: vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (January 26), vs Gujarat Giants (January 30)
UP Warriorz Face a Tough Road Ahead
UP Warriorz currently sit at the bottom of the table and face an uphill battle, largely due to having the poorest net run rate among all teams.
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Even if UPW wins both of its remaining games, it will still need other results to fall its way. Losing just one match could almost shut the door on qualification. For the Warriorz, boosting NRR is absolutely crucial if they want to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Next fixtures of UP Warriorz: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (January 29), Delhi Capitals (February 1)
With so many close scenarios and key clashes coming up, the final days of the league stage promise plenty of drama and excitement.
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