WPL 2026 is heading toward a dramatic finish as the battle for the Eliminator spot goes down to the final league match. After Gujarat Giants sealed playoff qualification with a crucial win over Mumbai Indians, the focus has now shifted to the remaining contenders fighting to stay alive.
With RCB Women already confirmed at the top of the table, only one playoff position is left to be decided. Delhi Capitals Women, Mumbai Indians Women, and UP Warriorz Women are locked in a tense qualification race where points, Net Run Rate, and match margins will determine who advances to the knockout stage.
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WPL 2026 Reaches a Decisive Stage
WPL 2026 has entered its final phase with playoff spots on the line. With only one league match remaining, teams are now dependent on points, Net Run Rate, and match margins to stay alive.
The playoff race intensified after Gujarat Giants secured a key victory on January 30. That result officially confirmed two teams in the playoffs and narrowed the Eliminator battle to three contenders.
Gujarat Giants Secure Playoff Qualification
Gujarat Giants Women clinched a playoff berth with an 11-run win over Mumbai Indians on January 30, 2026. This victory took them to 10 points from eight matches, ensuring a second-place finish.
By finishing second, Gujarat Giants have also booked their place directly in the Eliminator. They will now await the third-placed team for a knockout clash scheduled on February 3.
RCB Finish League Stage at the Top
RCB Women ended the league stage as table toppers with 12 points from eight games. Their consistent performances and strong Net Run Rate separated them from the rest of the competition.
Finishing first gives RCB a direct entry into the final. They will face the winner of the Eliminator, gaining a significant advantage in the title race.
Updated WPL 2026 Points Table
After the Gujarat Giants vs Mumbai Indians match, all teams except Delhi Capitals and UP Warriorz have completed eight games. The updated standings reflect the current qualification picture clearly.
| Position | Team | Matches | Wins | Losses | Points | Net Run Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | RCB Women | 8 | 6 | 2 | 12 | +1.247 |
| 2 | GG Women (Q) | 8 | 5 | 3 | 10 | -0.168 |
| 3 | MI Women | 8 | 3 | 5 | 6 | +0.059 |
| 4 | DC Women | 7 | 3 | 4 | 6 | -0.164 |
| 5 | UP Warriorz | 7 | 2 | 5 | 4 | -1.146 |
Understanding the Eliminator Format
The Eliminator is played between the second and third-placed teams at the end of the league stage. In WPL 2026, the Gujarat Giants Women are already confirmed as the second-placed team.
The Eliminator winner earns a place in the final against RCB Women. As a result, the final league match holds massive importance for teams fighting to finish third.
Mumbai Indians Women Qualification Scenario
Mumbai Indians Women have completed their league campaign with six points. Their playoff hopes now depend entirely on the final match between Delhi Capitals Women and UP Warriorz.
Mumbai Indians will qualify for the Eliminator if UP Warriorz defeat Delhi Capitals by a margin of fewer than 156 runs. In that case, MI’s superior Net Run Rate will keep them above both teams.
When the Mumbai Indians Get Eliminated
Mumbai Indians Women will be eliminated if Delhi Capitals win or even manage a no-result in the final league game. Any DC victory takes them to eight points, which is out of MI’s reach.
MI will also be knocked out if UP Warriorz win by an unrealistically huge margin that pushes their Net Run Rate above MI. Such a scenario remains highly unlikely in practical terms.
Delhi Capitals Women Qualification Scenario
Delhi Capitals Women control their own destiny heading into the final league match. A win against UP Warriorz will take them to eight points and guarantee a third-place finish.
Even a no-result or tied game will be enough for the Delhi Capitals to qualify. Any outcome that avoids defeat ensures their place in the Eliminator against Gujarat Giants.
UP Warriorz Qualification Scenario
UP Warriorz face the toughest road to the playoffs. With only four points, they must win their final match to stay alive in the race.
However, UP W need an extraordinary Net Run Rate boost to overtake the MI W. They would require a win by more than 156 runs or an unrealistically fast chase, making qualification extremely improbable.
Why Net Run Rate Is Crucial
Net Run Rate has become the defining factor in the WPL 2026 Eliminator race. With multiple teams tied on six points, even small differences in margins can change final standings.
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Mumbai Indians currently hold a narrow Net Run Rate advantage over Delhi Capitals and UP Warriorz. This advantage keeps MI mathematically alive despite completing all their matches.
Final League Match Details
The final league match between Delhi Capitals Women and UP Warriorz is scheduled for February 1. This match will decide the third team to qualify for the playoffs.
The encounter will be closely watched, as it can either end the Mumbai Indians’ hopes or confirm the Delhi Capitals’ qualification. Every over in this match will have playoff implications.
Playoff Schedule and Venue
The WPL 2026 playoffs will be held at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara. The Eliminator is scheduled for February 3, followed by the grand final shortly after.
With RCB Women already waiting in the final, the pressure will be on Gujarat Giants and the Eliminator qualifier. The stage is set for high-intensity knockout cricket.
Final Word on WPL 2026 Eliminator Race
The WPL 2026 league stage has delivered drama, tight finishes, and constant momentum shifts. Gujarat Giants’ win over Mumbai Indians has clarified much of the playoff picture but left one final question unanswered.
As fans await the DC vs UP Warriorz clash, the focus remains on qualification margins and Net Run Rate calculations. One final league game now stands between three teams and a place in the WPL 2026 Eliminator.