WPL 2026 Qualification Scenarios: What each team needs with two league games left

A commanding all-round performance from Grace Harris on Thursday ensured Royal Challengers Bengaluru finished the league stage on top and booked a direct spot in the final of the Women's Premier League 2026. While the finalists are settled, the battle for the remaining playoff places is still wide open, with four teams separated by a narrow points margin and just two league matches left.

With net run rate (NRR) likely to play a decisive role, every run and wicket across the final fixtures could reshape the standings. Here’s a breakdown of what each team requires as the league phase enters its final stretch.

Gujarat Giants

Remaining fixture: vs Mumbai Indians (Jan 30)

Gujarat Giants climbed to second place after edging past Delhi Capitals by three runs, taking their points tally to eight from seven matches. With the Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals both sitting on six points, the Giants remain well placed but far from secure.

The qualification equation is straightforward for Gujarat: a win over Mumbai, by any margin, will lift them to 10 points and confirm a playoff berth. They could still qualify even with a loss, provided UP Warriorz defeat Delhi Capitals in the final league match.

However, their weak net run rate of -0.271 leaves them vulnerable in multi-team scenarios. A narrow loss to Mumbai could open the door for Delhi to overtake them on NRR with a win over UP Warriorz, potentially pushing Gujarat out of contention despite finishing on equal points.

Mumbai Indians

Remaining fixture: vs Gujarat Giants (Jan 30)

Defending champions Mumbai Indians remain in a strong position, largely due to possessing the best net run rate among the teams battling for the final two playoff spots. Their dominant head-to-head record against Gujarat, with eight wins from eight matches, also works in their favour.

A victory over Gujarat would take Mumbai to eight points and that should be sufficient to secure qualification. Even in case of a defeat, their NRR cushion keeps them ahead, though a heavy loss would complicate matters.

If Mumbai lose by a significant margin, they would then need Delhi Capitals to lose to UP Warriorz. In extreme scenarios, margins could come into play, with Mumbai relying on Delhi’s defeat not exceeding specific limits to remain ahead on net run rate.

Delhi Capitals

Remaining fixture: vs UP Warriorz (Feb 1)

After a shaky start to the season, Delhi Capitals revived their campaign with consecutive wins before stumbling against Gujarat Giants. That loss has left them with little room for error heading into their final league game.

Delhi’s qualification path is clear: a win over UP Warriorz guarantees a place in the eliminator, regardless of the outcome of the Mumbai–Gujarat clash. A loss, however, could drag them into a three-way tie, where net run rate would determine their fate.

The Capitals do hold a key advantage, as they play the final league match and will know exactly what margin is required for qualification. 

UP Warriorz

Remaining fixture: vs Delhi Capitals (Feb 1)

UP Warriorz find themselves on the brink of elimination after Thursday’s defeat to RCB. Sitting at the bottom with four points and the weakest net run rate in the competition (-1.146), their chances are slim but not mathematically over.

For UP Warriorz to qualify, a near-perfect storm is required. They must beat the Delhi Capitals by a substantial margin and hope that Gujarat Giants register a big win over Mumbai Indians. Only then could UP Warriorz lift their net run rate above both rivals and sneak into the eliminator with six points.

While the odds are stacked heavily against them, the final round still offers one last narrow opening to keep their season alive.