WPL 2026 Points Table and Playoffs Scenarios: RCB Storm Into Final After Dominant Win Over UP Warriorz
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) became the first team to qualify for the final of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 after registering a convincing 8-wicket victory over UP Warriorz in Match 18 at the BCA Stadium, Kotambi, on Thursday.
The win helped RCB finish their league-stage campaign at the top of the points table with six wins and 12 points from eight matches, ensuring direct qualification to the final. With only two league games remaining, the battle for the remaining playoff spots has intensified.
Mumbai Indians will face Gujarat Giants on January 30, while UP Warriorz take on Delhi Capitals on February 1, with both matches set to decide the playoff lineup.
Key Performances & Stats
UP Warriorz: 143/8 (20 overs)
- Deepti Sharma: 55 (43 balls, 6 fours, 1 six)
- Meg Lanning: 41 (30 balls)
RCB: 144/2 (13.1 overs)
- Smriti Mandhana: 54
- Grace Harris: 75*
Bowling Highlight
- Nadine de Klerk (RCB): 4/22 in 4 overs
Season Record (RCB 2026):
- Matches: 8
- Wins: 6
- Points: 12
- Net Run Rate: Among tournament leaders
RCB’s chase in just 13.1 overs further boosted their net run rate, strengthening their dominance in the standings.
Official Reactions
RCB captain Smriti Mandhana said after the match:
“We wanted to finish the league strongly and carry momentum into the final. The way our bowlers and batters responded today was very satisfying.”
An IPL-W governing council official stated:
“RCB have been the most consistent team this season and deserve their place in the final.”
UP Warriorz captain Meg Lanning admitted:
“We are disappointed, but we still have one chance left. We will fight till the end.”
WPL 2026 Points Table: Qualification Scenarios
With RCB through, three teams are fighting for the remaining two playoff spots.
Gujarat Giants (GG)
- Qualify if they beat Mumbai Indians
- If they lose, they need UPW to defeat DC
Mumbai Indians (MI)
- Qualify if they beat Gujarat Giants
- If they lose, they need DC to lose to UPW (with NRR in mind)
Delhi Capitals (DC)
- Qualify if they beat UP Warriorz
- If they lose, they are eliminated
UP Warriorz (UPW)
- Must defeat DC by a huge margin
- Need major NRR improvement to qualify
The second and third-placed teams will play the Eliminator, with the winner facing RCB in the final.
WPL 2026: Top Run-Getters (After Match 18)
- Nat Sciver-Brunt (MI): 319 runs (6 matches)
- Smriti Mandhana (RCB): 290 runs (8 matches)
- Harmanpreet Kaur (MI): 260 runs (7 matches)
- Meg Lanning (UPW): 248 runs (7 matches)
- Phoebe Litchfield (UPW): 243 runs (6 matches)
WPL 2026: Top Wicket-Takers (After Match 18)
- Nadine de Klerk (RCB): 15 wickets (8 matches)
- Sophie Devine (GG): 15 wickets (7 matches)
- Nandani Sharma (DC): 14 wickets (7 matches)
- Lauren Bell (RCB): 12 wickets (8 matches)
- Amelia Kerr (MI): 12 wickets (6 matches)
Tournament/Series Context
The WPL 2026 has been one of the most competitive seasons in league history, with four teams still mathematically in contention for playoffs in the final week.
RCB’s consistent performances, strong leadership from Mandhana, and balanced bowling attack have set them apart. Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals, former finalists, are now under pressure, while Gujarat Giants and UP Warriorz remain dependent on results and net run rate.
The league has also witnessed record viewership and rising individual performances, underlining the growing stature of women’s cricket in India.
What’s Next
- January 30: Mumbai Indians vs Gujarat Giants
- February 1: UP Warriorz vs Delhi Capitals
- Eliminator: To be announced
- Final: RCB vs Eliminator Winner
All eyes will be on the final two league matches as teams battle for playoff survival.
Our Final Thoughts
Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s commanding entry into the WPL 2026 final reflects their consistency, depth, and tactical clarity throughout the season. With six wins from eight matches, RCB have established themselves as the most balanced side, combining aggressive batting with disciplined bowling.
Smriti Mandhana’s leadership has been a major factor in their success. Her form at the top, along with Grace Harris’s explosive batting and Nadine de Klerk’s reliability with the ball, has given RCB a strong competitive edge. Their ability to dominate key matches has also ensured a superior net run rate, which often becomes decisive in tight tournaments.
Meanwhile, the intense fight for the remaining playoff spots underlines the league’s competitiveness. Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, Gujarat Giants, and UP Warriorz are separated by narrow margins, making every over in the upcoming matches crucial.
The current scenario highlights the importance of planning, squad rotation, and mental strength in high-pressure situations. As the tournament enters its final phase, the focus will shift from qualification mathematics to execution under pressure.
If RCB maintain their momentum, they will enter the final as clear favourites. However, knockout cricket remains unpredictable, promising an exciting finish to WPL 2026.