The 2026 Women’s Premier League (WPL) has officially moved past the “feeling out” stage and into the realm of pure, unadulterated chaos.
As we hit the business end of the season in Vadodara, the narrative has shifted from “who’s looking good” to “who can handle the heat.”
While Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) started the tournament like a freight train, a recent surge from the defending champions, Mumbai Indians (MI), has blown the playoff race wide open. Here is a breakdown of the drama currently unfolding on the dirt.
RCB’s “First to Qualify” Cushion:
Smriti Mandhana’s RCB became the first team to officially punch their ticket to the 2026 playoffs. After a blistering five-match winning streak, they sat comfortably atop the table. However, the last few days have exposed a few chinks in the armor.
Back-to-back losses most recently a nail-biter against Mumbai have halted their momentum. While their spot in the next round is secure, they are now fighting to keep that top seed. Finishing first isn’t just about bragging rights; it’s the golden ticket that sends a team straight to the final, bypassing the high-pressure Eliminator.
If you ever needed proof that big players turn up for big games, look no further than Nat Sciver-Brunt. In a high-stakes clash against RCB yesterday, she didn’t just play an innings; she rewrote the record books by smashing the first-ever century in WPL history. Her unbeaten 100 off 57 balls was a masterclass in controlled aggression. It propelled MI to a massive 199, and despite a terrifying counter-attack from
Richa Ghosh (who cleared the ropes six times in a blistering 90), Mumbai held their nerve to win by 15 runs. This victory wasn’t just two points; it was a statement that the defending champs aren’t ready to hand over their crown just yet.
With RCB qualified, the scramble for the remaining two playoff spots is becoming a mathematical headache.
| Team | Matches | Wins | Losses | Points | NRR |
| RCB (Q) | 7 | 5 | 2 | 10 | +0.947 |
| MI | 7 | 3 | 4 | 6 | +0.146 |
| DC | 6 | 3 | 3 | 6 | -0.169 |
| GG | 6 | 3 | 3 | 6 | -0.341 |
| UPW | 6 | 2 | 4 | 4 | -0.769 |
Mumbai’s win has vaulted them to second, but with Delhi Capitals and Gujarat Giants both sitting on six points with a game in hand, the NRR (Net Run Rate) is going to be the most talked-about statistic of the week. One bad afternoon for any of these teams could mean an early flight home.
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Players to Watch in the Final Stretch:
- Nat Sciver-Brunt (MI): Currently wearing the Orange Cap with 319 runs. She is the engine room of the Mumbai squad.
- Richa Ghosh (RCB): After her near-miraculous 90 against MI, she has proven she can win a game from any position.
- Nandni Sharma: The surprise package of the season, leading the wicket-taking charts (13 wickets) and proving that domestic talent is the backbone of this league.
The 2026 season has been a testament to how far the women’s game has come in India. The pitches are quicker, the scores are higher, and the tactical battles between captains like Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur are becoming legendary.
As we head into the final round of league matches, expect more than just cricket, expect a battle of nerves.
